The two sides are out and the Champions League anthem echoes around the stadium – kick-off is just moments away!
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The big team news for Okan Buruk’s side is the absence of star man Victor Osimhen, who looks to be out for up to three weeks with an adductor muscle strain. In his place up front is Batrakov, who joined from FK Lokomotiv Moskva in the summer. Jakobs and Sallai start as the full-backs, with Torreira partnering Sara in midfield. Sane starts at right-wing – the German has scored three goals in each of his last two Champions League campaigns. Leao will be waiting to make an impact from the bench.
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Rui Borges names a strong XI in Sporting’s Champions League opener. Quaresma partners Inacio at the back, with the latter going into his seventh European campaign with the club. The midfield three are all making their first appearances in Europe for Sporting, with Doumbia, Altimira, and Zalazar joining in the summer window. Sporting fought off competition and kept hold of Suarez, who starts up top tonight.
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GALATASARAY SUBS: El Chadaille Bitshiabu, Lesley Ugochukwu, Ilkay Gundogan, Deniz Gul, Jankat Yilmaz, Rafael Leao, Abdulkerim Bardakci, Enes Buyuk, Berat Lus, Renato Nhaga.
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GALATASARAY (4-2-3-1): Ugurcan Cakir; Roland Sallai, Davinson Sanchez, Eren Elmali, Ismail Jakobs; Gabriel Sara, Lucas Torreira; Leroy Sane, Yunus Akgun, Baris Alper Yilmaz; Aleksey Batrakov.
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SPORTING SUBS: Silas Andersen, Zeno Debast, Fotis Ioannidis, Rafael Nel, Nestory Irankunda, Pedro Lima, Ivan Fresneda, Jesse Derry, Kaique, Rodrigo Dias, Flavio Goncalves, Eduardo Felicissimo.
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SPORTING (4-2-3-1): Rui Silva; Georgios Vagiannidis, Eduardo Quaresma, Goncalo Inacio, Maxi Araujo; Sergi Altimira, Issa Doumbia; Geny Catamo, Rodrigo Zalazar, Luis Guilherme; Luis Suarez.
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Galatasaray narrowly made it through the league phase last campaign, finishing in 20th place. They ended up falling in the round of 16, where they were comfortably beaten by Liverpool over two legs. There will be high expectations with the Galatasaray faithful, after their summer business. History doesn't serve the Turkish side well - Galatasaray have won just two of their last 26 away Champions League games (three draws, 21 losses), failing to score 15 times and keeping only two clean sheets in this run.
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Sporting return to the biggest European stage, after last season boasting their best performance in the competition. They reached the quarter-finals, before being eliminated by eventual runners-up Arsenal. They also had an impressive league phase last season, winning five of eight games. A similar return will see them cruise into the round of 16.
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Good evening everyone! Welcome to tonight’s UEFA Champions League coverage, as Sporting host Galatasaray at the Estadio Jose Alvalade.
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KICK-OFF: WE ARE UNDERWAY AT THE ESTADIO JOSE ALVALADE.
1'
Galatasaray have won themselves an early free-kick in a dangerous crossing position, after Inacio dragged down Alper Yilmaz and is perhaps lucky to escape a booking.
3'
WIDE FROM SANCHEZ! Huge opportunity early on for Galatasaray! Sanchez meets the ball with an attempted header, but the effort slowly goes off target as everyone watches on. It looked to have taken a touch off Inacio, but the resulting corner is wasted.
4'
GOALLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!! GALA LEAD IN THE EARLY STAGES!!!!!! A DESERVED ADVANTAGE FOR THE VISITORS!!!!! Sanchez once again causes a major threat, as the Colombian finds an effort on target from a set-piece. Silva looks to scoop it out from the goal line, before Torreira puts it in on the rebound. Once again Silva tries to clear, but this time the ball certainly crossed the line! Gala lead 1-0!
5'
What a blistering start for Galatasaray, who have had a horrid time away from home in this competition in recent years. They tried to double the lead within seconds from the restart, but Sara’s effort is straight down the throat of Silva.
8'
In the opening 10 minutes here, Galatasaray have had 72% of the possession, as well as four shots to Sporting’s zero.
10'
Pre-match, Sporting were the favourites to win, with a 54.9% likelihood of three points. However, now Galatasaray have a 41.9% chance of victory, with Sporting’s dropping to 33.8%.
12'
Vagiannidis looks to be down in some pain, after a slight touch on the shin from Alper Yilmaz. After a brief spell down, he rises back to his feet and Sporting have a free-kick.
13'
Alper Yilmaz looks to be playing in a much more central position than what was expected before kick-off. He leads the line, with Batrakov playing the supporting role.
15'
It is a second corner of the evening from Gala, after Alper Yilmaz’s cross is cleared by Altimira. Inacio does well to clear the set-piece, but only as far as a throw in for the visitors deep in the Sporting half.
17'
NO GOAL! Suarez finds the back of the net from close range and thought he had equalised for the hosts. However, Araujo was offside in the build-up, with the flag rising as soon as Suarez scored his goal – still 0-1.
19'
Yellow Card Sergi Altimira
22'
The first booking of the match goes the way of Altimira, who is punished for a high boot on Batrakov. VAR are currently checking to see if this should be a red...
22'
After a check by VAR, Altimira’s challenge on Batrakov is cleared and the yellow remains.
24'
Just some news on the Gala opener. Torreira’s first Champions League goal has been taken away from him, with Inacio the unfortunate recipient.
26'
Goal Geny Cipriano Catamo
27'
GOOOOAAALLLLLL!!!!! THIS ONE WILL SURELY COUNT!!!!! CATAMO WITH THE EQUALISER!!!! The hosts have responded well in the last 10 minutes and have their goal. Sporting bring the ball forwards quickly, before overloading the left flank. A ball comes into the box, and after a brief spell on pinball, Catamo managed to dig out a volley into the bottom corner! 1-1!
27'
Catamo is nearly in again, after the long pass loops over the Gala defence. Jakobs gets back well to clear, but the offside flag is risen anyway. The Gala defensive line is extremely high...
29'
Oh how the emotions can change in football? In the 24th minute, there was the VAR check to possibly send Sporting down to 10-players. Then, just three minutes later Catamo finds the back of the net for the equaliser!
32'
Despite the equaliser, Sporting are still behind statistically. Galatasaray have had six of the seven shots, and 66% possession. They have accumulated 0.71 xG, compared to Sporting’s 0.5 xG.
35'
Sporting may want to be looking towards their new signing Zalazar, who had a fantastic campaign in Europe last season. The Uruguayan played 15 games in the Europa League for Braga, scoring six goals in the process.
37'
CHANCE FOR SANE! He may not find a nicer position to strike with his left-foot all game! The ball falls kindly in the area for the German, before he takes a touch to send a Sporting defender, but his curling effort towards the top-left corner is just wide of the post.
38'
No players have had fewer touches than Guilherme (nine) and Araujo (seven), despite Sporting’s best two moments coming down the left flank.
40'
Top goalkeeping from Silva, who is quick off his line to beat Alper Yilmaz to the ball and clear his lines. He nearly sets free Suarez with his clearance, but the striker goes down too easily, and the referee waves play in.
43'
Yellow Card Luis Suárez
43'
Suarez picks up Sporting’s second booking of the evening, after he catches the back of Sanchez’s calf.
43'
The whistles are screeching around the ground, with a few calls going the way of Gala in the last few minutes.
45'
There will be a minimum of two minutes of added time.
45'
CHANCE FOR SANE! He may not find a nicer position to strike with his left foot all game! The ball falls kindly in the area for the German, before he takes a touch to send a Sporting defender, but his curling effort towards the top-left corner is just wide of the post.
38'
HALF-TIME: SPORTING 1-1 GALATASARAY
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It has been an enthralling first 45 at the Estadio Jose Alvalde, with Sporting and Galatasaray level at 1-1. Gala started on the front foot and took a deserved lead in the first five minutes. Sanchez saw an effort saved by Silva, before the goalkeeper thought he had also stopped Torreira’s deflected effort on the rebound, but the referee’s watch indicated that it was over! Sporting thought they had equalised through Suarez, but Araujo was found to be offside in the buildup, with the flag raised as soon as it found the back of the net. They did get their leveller in the 27th minute, with Catamo’s volley finding the bottom corner. Sane had the best chance from the rest of the half, but his curling strike was just wide of the post. Sporting ended the 45 with an expected goals of just 0.09, whilst the visitors accumulated 0.90 xG.
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With the scores level, Sporting are the favourites with the Opta Supercomputer to go on and take all three points. They have been given a 48.9% chance, whilst Gala have just a 19.3% chance of winning. You would be a brave man to bet against Gala after their first half display...
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We have a slightly delayed start to the second half, after Quaresma has taken a turn and has been physically sick, he will surely be replaced
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THE SECOND HALF IS UNDERWAY!
46'
After being treated briefly by the medical team, Quaresma doesn't feel the need to be replaced and wants to stay on. They Sporting bench listen to the centre-back and he continues.
47'
The first corner of the half goes to Sporting. Catamo moves down the right with some tricky feet, before his cross is blocked by Elmali. The resulting corner comes to nothing, but Sporting still control the play inside the Gala half.
50'
Cakir nearly gets himself into all sorts of trouble, as he just about beats Suarez to the ball and clears. The striker goes down appealing for a penalty, but it is clear to see that he was second in the battle.
51'
Yellow Card Eren Elmali
52'
Elmali picks up the first yellow for Galatasaray, after the defender takes down Catamo in a wide position.
52'
PENALTY SPORTING!
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PENALTY SPORTING! Doumbia slips a through pass to Suarez, leaving the striker one-on-one with Cakir, he goes down under pressure from both him and Jakobs, and the referee points to the spot. It looks to be Jakobs who is the one that fouls Suarez, but VAR is checking...
54'
PENALTY CONFIRMED! After an extended check, VAR confirm the decision and Suarez has the chance from the spot to turn around the match.
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Penalty Goal Luis Suárez
57'
GOALLLLLLLL!!!! SPORTING HAVE TURNED THIS AROUND!!!!! THE HOSTS LEAD!!!!!! Nearly three minutes after going down in the box, Suarez keeps his cool and smashes into the bottom-left corner! 2-1 Sporting!
57'
Substitution Leroy Sané Rafael Alexandre da Conceição Leão
58'
To a chorus of jeers from the crowd, Leao comes on for Gala against his former club. He replaces Sane.
58'
It is a truly wonderful penalty from Suarez, who’s effort is simply unsavable. He has now scored his last three spot-kicks in the competition.
60'
It is a truly wonderful penalty from Suarez, whose effort is simply unsavable. He has now scored his last three spot-kicks in the competition.
60'
You can really see the confidence oozing from Suarez. After scoring his first of the match, he goes close to a second, but a left-footed effort drags past the post.
62'
Goal Rodrigo Zalazar
63'
Gala are struggling with the pace and power of Sporting, with Sallai mistiming a challenge on the edge of the area, gifting Sporting a free-kick in a dangerous position.
63'
GOOOOOAAAAAALLLLLLL!!!!! WHAT A RIDICULOUS FREE-KICK BY ZALAZAR!!!!! HIS FIRST IN THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE IS A SPECIAL ONE!!!!!
63'
Substitution Aleksey Batrakov Deniz Gül
64'
Batrakov is replaced after a quiet match, with Gul on for a Champions League debut.
64'
Zalazar is replaced as Flavio Goncalves is on in his place. Zalazar’s free-kick goal had an xG of just 0.034...
66'
Zalazar is replaced as Goncalves is on in his place. Zalazar’s free-kick goal had an xG of just 0.034...
66'
This match has really been the tale of two halves. Galatasaray were the more dangerous of the two in the first 45, but since the break it has been Sporting that have been on top and have been rewarded with two goals.
69'
IT SHOULD BE FOUR! What a goal this would have been! It is intricate play from Sporting in the final third, before Altimira continued his run into the box, controlled the ball wonderfully from a dinked pass, but failed to find the finish, with the effort straight at Cakir.
72'
Substitution Issa Doumbia Silas Andersen
74'
Substitution Luis Suárez Fotis Ioannidis
74'
Doumbia also makes way, with Andersen on for a Champions League debut.
74'
Now it is time for a double change for Sporting. The first sees goalscorer Suarez replaced by Ioannidis.
74'
Can Galatasaray get back into the game? They will most likely need a goal in the next 10 minutes to have a chance, but it is currently Sporting who look more like scoring next.
76'
Sporting are now cruising in the match. They are calming things down, moving the ball side to side with little pressure from Gala.
79'
Yellow Card Deniz Gül
80'
Gul is booked not too long after entering the pitch, with the attacker punished for a late challenge.
80'
Here is a chance for Gala to get players into the box, with Araujo bringing down Alper Yilmaz on the edge of the penalty area.
83'
Substitution Gabriel Davi Gomes Sara Renato Sam-Na Nhaga
84'
Substitution Georgios Vagiannidis Iván Fresneda
84'
Substitution Eduardo Filipe Quaresma Vieira Coimbra Simões Zeno Debast
84'
Sara decided to go alone from the free-kick, trying to curl an effort into the far top corner. It is comfortable for Silva, who makes no mistake in making a save.
84'
Substitution Lucas Torreira Lesley Ugochukwu
85'
Substitution Yunus Akgün Ilkay Gündogan
85'
Fresneda is on at right-back for Sporting, with Vagiannidis making way.
84'
More changes for both sides. Quaresma, who looked to be struggling before the start of the half, is now off for Debast.
84'
Nhaga is on for Sara for the remainder of the match.
84'
Gala’s final roll of the dice is Ugochukwu on for Torreira.
85'
In an attempt to make a change in the game, the experienced Gundogan is on for Akgun.
85'
Gala just beginning to put more pressure on the Sporting defence, but the hosts have dealt with everything thrown at them in the last 10 minutes.
88'
There will be a minimum of four minutes of added time. Gala look to be out of ideas.
90'
Sporting have been a joy to watch tonight, and the three in midfield have played a huge part. Doumbia, Altimira, and Zalazar have all been at the top of their game, outclassing their opponents.
90'
Lineups
Sporting CP (4-2-3-1) coached by Rui Borges
Rui Silva, Maximiliano Araujo, Goncalo Inacio, Eduardo Quaresma, Georgios Vagiannidis, Issa Doumbia, Sergi Altimira, Luis Guilherme, Rodrigo Zalazar, Geny Catamo, Luis Suarez
Galatasaray (4-2-3-1) coached by Okan Buruk
Baris Yilmaz, Yunus Akgün, Aleksey Batrakov, Leroy Sané, Gabriel Sara, Lucas Torreira, Ismail Jakobs, Eren Elmalı, Davinson Sanchez, Roland Sallai, Uğurcan Çakır