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Zidane hails Real spirit
- Updated: September 14, 2016
Cristiano Ronaldo’s superb free-kick instigated a late turnaround as Real Madrid secured a dramatic 2-1 win over Sporting Lisbon in their Champions League opener.
Journeyman midfielder Bruno Cesar gave Sporting a deserved second-half lead, which they looked like they would hold on to until the Portugal superstar stepped up to curl in a superb free-kick equaliser in the 89th minute.
Real were not done there, though, as Morata powered a header past Sporting stopper Rui Patricio in stoppage time to grab all three points in the Group F curtain-raiser.
The result was harsh on a determined Sporting, who defended doggedly throughout, but the reigning European champions showed their mettle when it really mattered.
Despite the formidable attacking triumvirate of Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema and Ronaldo starting together for the first time this season, the first half was a cagey affair, with Sporting unwilling to lie down against their illustrious opponents.
Cesar almost got the visitors off to a perfect start, but saw his fizzed effort skip off the surface and fly …
