Ten-man Sporting CP lose to LASK in the Europa League playoffs

Sporting Clube de Portugal went out of the UEFA Europa League this Thursday with a 1-4 loss to LASK in the playoffs. The team's involvement in European competition came to an end just before the Group Stage.

With Nuno Santos in the starting eleven for the first time, replacing Jovane Cabral in the one change from the side that defeated Paços de Ferreira the previous weekend, Sporting CP debuted their third kit for the crucial encounter at the Estadio José Alvalade. The first chance for them came in the 11th minute, when Tiago Tomás miscontrolled the ball in an excellent position.

However, the first goal was scored by LASK just past the first quarter-hour. Off a corner, Trauner headed into the net and put the Austrians ahead.

Sporting CP's response came in the 27th minute with a good chance: A quality move through Wendel and Tiago Tomás set up Luciano Vietto inside the opposition area, but his shot was saved by goalkeeper Schlager.

Twelve minutes later it was Nuno Santos who would take on the LASK goalkeeper, but his attempt to assist a teammate was unsuccessful.

Sporting CP finally got the equaliser on 42 minutes, thanks to 18 year old striker Tiago Tomas. He was set up by Nuno Santos and powered a header past Schlager to put his team back on terms. Tomas had previously scored against Aberdeen in the Third Qualifying Round.

The visitors came back stronger after the break and made it 1-2 through Marko Raguž on 58 minutes. Shortly thereafter, Sebastián Coates was shown a straight red card, with Peter Michorl scoring from the resulting free kick.

Andreas Gruber rounded off the scoring for LASK against ten-man Sporting CP, and there was no way back for Rúben Amorim's side. They now turn their focus to Sunday, and a visit to Portimonense SC in Liga NOS.

Sporting CP: Antonio Adán [GK], Pedro Porro, Luís Neto, Sebastián Coates [C], Zouhair Feddal, Matheus Nunes (Andraž Šporar, 71'), Wendel, Tiago Tomás, Nuno Santos (Antunes, 78') and Luciano Vietto (Pedro Gonçalves, 67').

The Lions dominated the Match

Sporting CP guaranteed the qualification to the round of 32 of the UEFA Europa League after scoring 4 goals against PSV, on the 5th round of the Group Stage. Bruno Fernandes (2), Luiz Phellype and Jérémy Mathieu scored the goals for the green and white team. 

The Lions managed to play a fabulous first half and sealed the win before half-time by scoring 3 of the 4 goals of the match. The first goal happened after a side throw by Marcos Acuña towards Bruno Fernandes, who promptly crossed the ball to Luiz Phellype who, with a perfect header, managed to put the ball inside the net. 

Shortly after, the green and white team scored the second goal. Bruno Fernandes gained the ball outside the box and with a powerfull shot scored another amazing goal for Sporting CP.

Although PSV tried to react, the Lions managed to net a third goal at minute 42 of the first half. This time, after a corner kick taken by Bruno Fernandes, Mathieu scored a truly fantastic goal with an acrobátic gesture.

The fourth goal appeared after a penalty suffered by Acuña. The man of the moment, Bruno Fernandes, made sure it was our fourth goal of the match.

Meanwhile, Maximiano was playing his first UEL game for Sporting CP and made some impressive saves. The entire stadium was impressed by him, a goalkeeper who is the latest "product" of the World renowned Sporting Academy.

Sporting CP Team: Luís Maximiano, Valentin Rosier, Tiago Ilori, Jérémy Mathieu (Luís Neto, 73 minutes), Marcos Acuña, Idrissa Doumbia, Wendel (Rafael Camacho, 80 minutes), Bruno Fernandes (C), Yannick Bolasie, Luciano Vietto e Luiz Phellype (Jesé Rodríguez, 67 minutes).