Sporting tally second win in as many attempts with battling performance against Paços

Six points out of six. Sporting are off to the best possible start to the new Liga NOS campaign, thanks to a solo strike from Adrien against Paços de Ferreira this Saturday.

With a hosting of FC Porto next up, an 11th consecutive league win was just what Jesus' side needed, with the cleansheet also Sporting's 4th in a row.

It was actually the hosts who had the opening opportunity of the encounter, when Mateus Silva tried his luck from range with 10 minutes on the clock. However, the effort ended up high of Rui Patrício's goal.

Sporting didnt't take long to rally and two minutes later it was danger down the other end, when a cross from Bruno César was only half cleared. Slimani looked to have found an inch to get away a shot, but Filipe Ferreira was able to get a block in.

Both sides were making a game of it and the blistering pace kept up. On 26 minutes a guided free-free tested Patrício, before an evidently rehearsed free-kick move from 30 metres out saw Adrien and William Carvalho exchange possession, before the Sporting captain blasted an effort just inches off target.

Defendi had been let off in the Paços goal so far, but he was in for a nervy evening. After trying to dribble the ball out, Buno César picked up possession and put a chip just off target.

The string of chances put wind into the Alvalade sails and more opportunities follows. On 34 minutes Bryan Ruiz floated in a cross that eventually found its way out to Alan Ruiz, but his shot was denied by a fine stop by the Paços keeper. Four minutes later, Slimani again tested Defendi's reflexes.

The opener however was destined for Adrien, after some persistent attacking. Bryan Ruiz looked up and drifted a cross towards Slimani, but the Algerian failed to get his effort away. However, the big striker didn't give up and hampered the Paços defence, who could only clear out as far as Bruno César, In came another cross and this time Gelson connected with the header, setting up Adrien for a superb bicycle kick to give his side a much deserved lead.

The Alvalade skipper's goal proved crucial at the final whistle, with Sporting missing a clinical touch in the second-half that could well hae extended the final result.