UEFA Champions League: Eintracht stages 2-1 comeback win over Sporting to qualify

Eintracht Frankfurt staged a second-half comeback, scoring twice in 10 minutes to beat host Sporting 2-1 on Tuesday and qualify for the Champions League last 16 for the first time.

Frankfurt’s Randal Kolo Muani, right, celebrates with Daichi Kamada, left, after scoring his side’s second goal. | Photo Credit: AP Photo/Armando Franca

Eintracht Frankfurt staged a second-half comeback, scoring twice in 10 minutes to beat host Sporting 2-1 on Tuesday and qualify for the Champions League last 16 for the first time, knocking the Portuguese out of the competition.

Sporting needed only a point to advance, and it took the lead when winger Arthur Gomes volleyed in at the far post after a looping cross was headed on in the 39th minute.

Eintracht, last season’s Europa League champion, hardly got a look-in during the first half but came out fighting after the break, needing a win to secure a top-two finish.

A handball by Sporting captain Sebastian Coates in the 62nd gave Frankfurt a penalty, and Daichi Kamada drew them level with a well-taken spot kick.

France international Randal Kolo Muani then powered into the box and drilled home the winner in the 72nd to complete their comeback and secure second place behind Tottenham Hotspur.