Sporting 2 - 0 Lille: Les Dogues slump to opening loss after Angel Gomes' early sending-off

Sporting triumph in Gomes' absence

Sporting capitalised on a controversial red card to Ángel Gomes in the opening period to ease past Lille in their opening matchday of the 2023/24 Champions League campaign.

Gomes was dismissed after just 29 minutes for a reckless challenge, with replays suggesting the contact was minimal and the decision harsh.

Despite reduced numbers, Lille defended admirably for almost an hour, however, with 20 minutes to play, Marcus Edwards pounced on a loose ball in the penalty area to fire Sporting ahead.

Edwards makes the difference

The goal buoyed the hosts and they doubled their lead just 10 minutes later when Trincão's low cross was met by Edwards, who finished clinically at the back post.

Lille, who had offered very little in attack, almost pulled one back in the closing stages, but Ismaily's strike crashed against the post.

Here are Sporting News' player ratings following the match.

Sporting

GK: Antonio Adán - 6

Had very little to do all game, but made a couple of comfortable saves.

RB: Pedro Porro - 7

Defended stoutly and provided a threat going forward.

CB: Sebastián Coates - 7

Dominant in the air and made some important blocks.

CB: Gonçalo Inácio - 7

Another solid performance from the young defender.

LB: Nuno Santos - 7

Got forward well and linked up effectively with Edwards.

CM: Matheus Nunes - 8

Impressive display in the heart of midfield, breaking up play and driving forward with purpose.

CM: Manuel Ugarte - 6

Booked in the first half, but played a disciplined game thereafter.

AM: Marcus Edwards - 8

Scored the opening goal and was a constant threat to the Lille backline.

RW: Trincão - 7

Provided the assist for the second goal and always looked dangerous.

ST: Paulinho - 6

Led the line well but spurned a good chance to score in the second half.

LW: Rochinha - 6

Worked hard and tracked back well, but didn't offer much in attack.

Lille

GK: Lucas Chevalier - 6

Made some good saves but could do nothing about either goal.

RB: Timothy Weah - 5

Was caught out for Sporting's first goal and struggled to contain Edwards.

CB: José Fonte - 6

Organised his defence well but was let down by those around him.

CB: Sven Botman - 6

Similar to Fonte, Botman played well but couldn't prevent Sporting from scoring.

LB: Ismaily - 6

Got forward well and came close to scoring late on, but was poor defensively.

CM: Benjamin André - 5

Gave away possession for Sporting's first goal.

CM: Amadou Onana - 6

Worked hard but couldn't provide the creative spark Lille needed.

AM: Angel Gomes - 4

Sent off after just 29 minutes, severely hampering Lille's chances.

RW: Jonathan Bamba - 5

Showed some nice touches but was often isolated.

ST: Jonathan David - 5

Had one good chance to score but scuffed his shot wide.

LW: Edon Zhegrova - 5

Was lively but couldn't create any clear-cut opportunities.