Match Summary:
A first half header from former Benfica man Nemanja Matic was enough for Chelsea to beat Sporting Lisbon. Lot of chances came from both sides but they were not able to find the back of the net.
First Half:
• An early chance came for Chelsea to take over as Diego Costa races clear on goal but was denied by a great save from Rui Patricio.
• Oscar superbly picks out Schurrle but he was denied by Rui Patricio close to the Sporting goal.
• Another dangerous Chelsea attack came, and again Schurrle was denied. His header meeting Hazard’s cross was saved.
• Schurrle had another golden opportunity after Hazard finds space in behind again, but he puts his finish wide.
• A Fabregas free-kick deep finds the unmarked Nemanja Matic who loops his header over Rui Patricio.
GOAL! 0 – 1 CHELSEA
• Half-time: Sporting Lisbon 0 Chelsea 1
Second Half:
• Nani has a go from distance but his shot flies wide of Courtois’ goal.
• Oscar latches on to a long ball and is in the clear but his shot is saved by Rui Patricio.
• Diego Costa knocks the ball past Mauricio who almost rugby tackles him to the ground.
• Chances continued to come our way, and when Filipe Luis fizzed an inviting delivery across the face of goal it evaded both Diego Costa and Willian, who had snuck in unmarked at the far post.
• Mohamed Salah, who had replaced Hazard for the Blues, appeared destined to seal the points when he was slipped in by a wonderful Fabregas pass. The Egyptian controlled the ball with his right foot and shot with his left, but yet again Patricio made the save, perhaps the best one of the night.
• FULLTIME: SPORTING LISBON 0 CHELSEA FC 1
Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry (c), Filipe Luis; Matic, Fabregas; Schurrle (Willian 58), Oscar (Mikel 71), Hazard (Salah 84); Diego Costa.
Unused substitutes Cech, Zouma, Azpilicueta, Remy.
Scorer: Matic 33
Booked Ivanovic 58, Hazard 71, Filipe Luis 75
Sporting Lisbon (4-1-4-1): Rui Patricio (c); Cedric, Sarr, Mauricio (Oliveira 63), Silva; Carvalho; Carrillo (Capel 81), Joao Mario, Adrien Silva (Montero 81), Nani; Slimani
Unused substitutes Marcelo, Jefferson, Andre Martins, Oriol Rossel
Booked Carvalho 23, Mario 41, Mauricio 60, Cedric 74
Referee Antonio Mateu Lahoz (Spain) Attendance: 40,734
