Shakhtar v Sporting

The clash between Shakhtar and Sporting had a real high-octane feel to proceedings and both played their part in this encounter, it is Sporting who take all the spoils with a hard-earned 1-0 win over their Ukrainian opponents this evening. The Portuguese side had to endure a tough first half where Shakhtar had their moments and looked to have settled the better in the early part of the match. But after the break, Sporting came out and showed much more intensity in the second half and created a number of chances before putting one away through Doumbia who was on hand to convert on 59 minutes after good play from Suarez, Ionnidis and Andersen. It was an intricate move that deserved the finish and was deserving of being the goal that separated the two sides on the night. Shakhtar rallied hard and could have got on level terms late in the game had substitute, Newerton headed his chance anywhere else but into the arms of Sporting keeper, Silva. Sporting managed an xG of 1.30 whilst Shakhtar with their late pressure mustered an xG of 1.96. Sporting move onto nine points and look well poised to go through as a top eight side, though tougher assignments are ahead. Shakhtar slip to defeat and are still on four points after four games. Thank you for joining us this evening and goodnight.

FULL-TIME: SHAKHTAR 0-1 SPORTING

Andersen gets the ball from his opponent and frees up a teammate who rushes away on the counte and is brought down by a desperate challenge from a Shakhtar tired body. That could be that as we head deep into added on time.

CHANCE FOR SHAKHTAR!! Substitute Newerton leaps highest at the back post and sends a firm, commanding header towards goal, but as the fans scream in desperation, it goes straight into the arms of Silva. It is one-way traffic now and Sporting are literally clinging on to this lead.

We are into injury time with three minutes added on at the end.

90'

Substitution

Captain, Matviyenko comes off for Shakhtar as Ferreira comes on with the hope of levelling things for the hosts.