Sporting start Champions League campaign with 2-0 victory over Lille

Sporting Lisbon began their Champions League campaign with a 2-0 home win over French champions Lille on Tuesday.

Paulinho put the Portuguese hosts ahead in the 33rd minute, heading in from a corner, before Pedro Goncalves doubled their lead four minutes after the break with a low shot into the bottom corner.

Lille, who won Ligue 1 last season, had chances to get back into the game but were denied by some fine saves from Sporting goalkeeper Antonio Adan.

Sporting, who are now top of Group G, will be looking to build on their good start when they travel to face Wolfsburg in their next game on September 29.

Sporting's victory was their first in the Champions League since 2017.

The Portuguese side had failed to win any of their last six games in the competition before Tuesday's victory, but they put in a strong performance against Lille to claim all three points.

Sporting's victory was also their first at home in the Champions League since 2014, when they beat Chelsea 1-0.

Paulinho's goal was his first in the Champions League.

The 29-year-old Brazilian forward has been in good form for Sporting this season, scoring four goals in six league games.

Paulinho's goal against Lille was a well-taken header from a corner, and it gave Sporting a deserved lead.

Goncalves' goal was his second in the Champions League.

The 23-year-old Portuguese midfielder scored his first Champions League goal for Sporting against Borussia Dortmund in 2020.

Goncalves' goal against Lille was a low shot into the bottom corner, and it sealed the victory for Sporting.

Sporting's victory is a good start to their Champions League campaign.

The Portuguese side will be looking to build on their good start when they travel to face Wolfsburg in their next game on September 29.

If Sporting can continue to perform at a high level, they will have a good chance of qualifying for the knockout stages of the Champions League.