Sporting CP’s two goals overcome Lens possession

Sporting CP strike twice to beat Lens

Sporting CP defeated Lens 2-0 at Stade Bollaert-Delelis, with Luis Suárez and Issa Doumbia scoring to secure the visitors’ second win in the UEFA Champions League League Stage. The result leaves Sporting CP unbeaten after two games.

Suárez opens the scoring, Doumbia finishes it

Sporting CP took the lead in the 22nd minute when Luis Suárez scored a normal goal, assisted by Nestory Irankunda, making the running score 0-1. Issa Doumbia added the last goal in the 74th minute, with Silas Andersen providing the assist, to make it 0-2.

Lens made changes in the 58th minute, bringing on Ruben Aguilar and Odsonne Édouard, but could not find a response. Michaël Cuisance was booked in the 71st minute and Florian Thauvin received a yellow card in the 81st; Sporting CP had no yellow cards listed.

Lens had more of the ball but Sporting CP were sharper

Lens controlled 56% possession and produced 21 total shots to Sporting CP’s 11. They also had six shots on goal, compared with five for Sporting CP. Yet Sporting CP converted their chances, while Lens finished with an expected-goals figure of 1.79 against Sporting CP’s 1.73. Kaique made six saves for the visitors.

Sporting CP strengthen second place

In the provisional standings, Sporting CP are ranked #2 with 6 points from 2 games (2W 0D 0L), while Lens are ranked #19 with 3 points from 2 games (1W 0D 1L). Sporting CP are 3 points ahead of Lens, and Barcelona lead with 6 points. Doumbia was a standout performer, earning an 8.2 rating after 85 minutes and scoring once.