Champions League: Sporting hosts Galatasaray on Rafael Leão's return to Alvalade

Sporting begins its participation in the football Champions League with a home game against Galatasaray, the Turkish team that holds four domestic league titles. The match takes place at Alvalade and marks Rafael Leão's return to the stadium where he shone before moving to top-tier European football. The Portuguese striker, who came through Sporting's youth academy, now faces the team he represented before his transfer to AC Milan. The encounter comes after a previous knockout tie between the two teams in the Europa League, adding another chapter to the rivalry between the clubs. The match represents a significant test for the Lions right from the first round of the European competition.