Sporting opened the game looking strong and dictating the tempo playing out from the back with Joao Mario in the centre of midfield looking particularly impressive.
Despite this dominance, the best opportunities the Portuguese side could create were several long distance efforts. PSV looked up for the game and coped well with Sporting’s possession football; they looked dangerous on the counter and came close to scoring minutes before the break.
The 2nd half was played at a much higher tempo with PSV showing more confidence and a greater attacking threat through their pacey and skilful wide players Bakkali and Overbeek.
PSV’s young goalkeeper Verstappen was excellent all night, and on 52 minutes he saved the home side, turning a dangerous shot behind for a corner. Sporting maintained the pressure and had a penalty appeal turned down three minutes later when Mario went down in the box. As with the first half, Sporting just couldn’t find a way round the well organised Dutch side’s defence.
It was PSV who found the back of the net on 75 minutes. A strong shot was well blocked however the rebound fell to Vloet who took his chance well; hitting the ball first time from 15 metres out to beat the keeper.
Sporting responded with a triple substitution which moments later led to a great chance for Guedes who unfortunately couldn’t connect properly. PSV saw out the second half continuing to defend well with Verstappen again saving them on occasions.
The game finished 1 – 0 to the home side and could have gone either way. The result leaves the two sides first and second in Group 4 level on points, however PSV have a game in hand. For the group tables click here.