Alvalade sets new crowd record with the hosting of the Galácticos

Sporting CP missed out to Real Madrid on Champions League matchday 5 this Tuesday, dashing any lingering hope of securing a place in the knock-out stages of the competition.

After just two minutes Adrien Silva found a yard of space in front of goal and was about to pull the trigger before Sergio Ramos scrambled back and cleared away. In response Cristiano Ronaldo tested Patrício with a dazzling turn and low shot, before a spell of well disputed football saw neither team create any clear opportunities to pull ahead.

The first goal of the evening was made to wait until a minute before the half-hour mark, when a Modric cross was scuffed by Cristiano Ronaldo deep inside the area. Varana was quickest to react and their was little Patrício could do from such close range. It was a harsh reflection of the action so far in front of a massive total of 50,046 fans and Jorge Jesus's side were not about to throw in the towel. Three minutes later Bruno César came agonizingly close to leveling for Sporting CP, before the Madrid skipper Sergio Ramos again put in a last ditch tackle.

Sporting CP's hopes of a comeback were dealt a heavy blow when João Pereira was given his matching ordered in the 64th minute after a tangle with Kovacic, but the reduction to 10 men actually blew new wind into the Alvalade sails. Fávio Coentrão, who had come on for the struggling Marcelo in the 71st minute, cut out classy touch from Joel Campbell with an obvious handball and Adrien Silva stepped up to finish from the penalty spot with his usual class.

Zidane rang the chances with the introduction of Benzema for Isco and it was the Frenchman who finally put Sporting CP's battling effort to bed, netting an 87th minute header after a cross from Sergio Ramos.