Sporting earn crucial win over Qarabag

Sporting battled to a 2-0 victory over their Azerbaijan opponents in their first game of the Europa League campaign.

The first goal came in the 54th minute, after Nani played a beautiful low-pass cross into the feet of Raphinha, who had the simple task of slotting the ball into the back of the net.

They then doubled their advantage in the closing stages of the game, with youngster Jovane Cabral firing his shot home from around the penalty spot.

It is an excellent start to the campaign for Sporting, who next week travel to Ukraine to face Vorskla, who today lost to Arsenal 4-2. 

It sees Sporting sit in second in the group, 3 clear of the trailing pack and only behind top seeds Arsenal by virtue of goals scored.