For the second Europa League match running, Sporting travelled to one of Europe’s most famed clubs and put in a display to be proud of.
The Portuguese team outperformed Juventus in Turin in total attempts on goal (15-9), shots on target (6-3), corners (10-3) and possession (58%-42%).
But in the all-important statistic – goals – Federico Gatti’s second-half strike gave the Italians a 1-0 lead to defend in Lisbon next Thursday.
Chermiti gets the nod
With striker Paulinho still out injured, it fell upon 18-year-old Youssef Chermiti to lead the line for Sporting. Holding midfielder Manuel Ugarte was also out following his red card in the 1-1 draw against Arsenal, meaning star man Pedro Gonçalves again played in a more withdrawn position alongside Hidemasa Morita in midfield. Nuno Santos was preferred over Matheus Reis at left wing-back.
In the early stages Milik and Trincão traded shots over the bar for either side, but the first moment of real danger fell to Juventus, with Chiesa showcasing deftness of feet and his ever alert football brain to get off a firm angled shot that Adán had to dive sharply to his left to save.
Di Maria then released Chiesa, but his low cross was gathered by Adán and with the hosts failing to exert heavy pressure Sporting grew more comfortable by the minute.
Exceptional Morita
The outstanding Morita was cutting out everything Juventus tried to build through midfield and the Japanese came close to scoring on 20 minutes with a snapshot that fizzed just wide.
Sporting’s increased confidence resulted in the Portuguese club dominating possession and playing most of the rest of the half on the attack.
In the 29th minute Szczesny was forced into an excellent reaction save to keep out an acrobatic effort from Coates, and one minute later the Polish goalkeeper was called into action again, turning Pote’s effort around the post.
Santos so close
Sporting came even closer to a goal shortly afterwards. A sustained spell of pressure from the visitors ended with some Marcus Edwards wizardry and the ball eventually falling to Nuno Santos, whose goal-bound shot was cleared off the line by Bremer.
As half time approached both teams were forced into a change with Szczesny and St. Juste picking up injuries, both players leaving the pitch in tears.
The home fans must have been hoping some choice words from Massimiliano Allegri would shake “the Old Lady” into action, but it was Sporting who were fast out of the blocks, Pedro Gonçalves forcing substitute goalkeeper Mattia Perín into a sprawling save upon the restart.
Sporting stay strong
Two corners in quick succession for Juventus livened up the crowd as the Italian side threatened to turn up the pressure, but Sporting dealt with the rather timid attacking ventures without undue alarm.
Chermiti was proving useful at holding up play and drawing fouls, and when he was felled near the box Morita and Edwards feigned to shoot, only to pass to Pote whose well-hit shot was charged down. It was another example of the inventiveness and clarity of thought Amorim’s men were displaying.
A series of substitutions saw Arthur Gomes and Matheus Reis come on for Sporting in place of Chermiti and Nuno Santos, while Juventus turned to Vlahovic and Fagioli for the departing Milik and Kostic.
Adán mistake punished
On 72 minutes Juventus took the lead with Sporting goalkeeper Adán coming for a cross but completely missing his punch. Vlahovic headed towards goal, Coates prevented it from crossing the line and Diomandé’s attempt to complete the clearance only resulted in leaving Gatti with a tap-in. 1-0 Juventus and suddenly the crowd came to life.
To their huge credit, Sporting did not wilt, and with Juventus still keeping plenty of men behind the ball, it continued to be the Portuguese side who were showing all the initiative.
As time ticked away, Morita headed narrowly wide, before Sporting missed a golden double chance to get what would have been a richly deserved equaliser.
Late drama
Arthur Gomes swung over a low cross with first Pote then Bellerín seeming certain to score from close in, only for Perín to pull off an outstanding double save, which could prove a crucial moment in the context of the tie.
While another performance full of character in a high-profile European match will further enhance Rúben Amorim’s reputation, Sporting will have to materialise their bright approach play in goals at Alvalade to make the semi-finals.
By Tom Kundert
Goals:
[1-0] Federico Gatti, 73’
