Alvalade youngsters open UEFA Youth League with draw

Sporting put in a solid performance in this season's UEFA Youth League opener against Real Madrid this Wednesday afternoon, securing a 1-1 away draw.

Although facing one of Europe's giants, Sporting put in a brave performance and dominated for most of the first-half, courtesy in part to Tiago Fernandes' well chosen strategy of winning the midfield battle. 

Unfortunately Sporting's dominance was not converted into goals, with a sterling performance in defensive and midfield failing to translate in the final third. 

Half-time arrived with the scoreboard blank, with Sporting have tried their luck on goal seven times compared to Real's one.

Sporting didn't look quite as secure after the restart, largely due to Real Madrid's positioning further up the park. Both sides battled away to get a foothold and chances naturally followed. Diaz Velazquez gave the hosts the lead with a 55th minute strike against an isolated Pedro Silva.

In response Tiago Fernandes gambled in the final stages, introducing Rafael Leão and Nuno Moreira in search of an equaliser. Three opportunities went wanting from Daniel Bragança and Elves Baldé, before Pedro Marques finally did justice to the result three minutes into injury time, after Abdu Conté led a break down the left flank.