Sporting CP vs. Real Madrid: Score, Reaction from 2016 Champions League Match

Karim Benzema scored the game-winning goal in the 87th minute as Real Madrid secured a berth in the Champions League knockout phase with a 2-1 victory over Sporting Lisbon on Tuesday at the Estadio Jose Alvalade in Portugal.

The match marked a homecoming of sorts for Blancos superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, who started his career with the Lions before leaving for Manchester United in 2003. The Portuguese international picked up an assist on Raphael Varane’s first-half goal to help spark the win.

Adrien Silva scored the only goal for Sporting, who are eliminated from UCL contention.

Real Madrid head coach Zinedine Zidane expected a hard-fought encounter after his side narrowly escaped with a 2-1 home triumph in September’s first meeting of the group stage. Alberto Navarro of the club’s official website passed along the boss’ thoughts about the rematch.

“We weren’t surprised in the first game against Sporting CP. They put in a great performance, and we were made to work for the win,” Zidane said Monday. “Tomorrow, it’ll be just as difficult, and they’re going to look to make life tough for us. The important thing is that we’re ready for a very tough game.”

An overabundance of caution from both sides led to a sloppy opening 20 minutes. They combined to attempt just two shots, with none on target, as neither club could generate an extended stretch on the ball because of a series of passing errors in the midfield.

Real broke the deadlock in the 29th minute off a set piece generated by Ronaldo, who was fouled just outside the box by Ruben Semedo.

The dynamic forward also played a key role in the goal as he laid off Luka Modric’s hopeful free kick from the right wing into the path of Varane. The defender managed to stay onside amid the chaos and slotted the shot past Rui Patricio for the opening tally.

OptaJose provided an additional note about the Frenchman’s goal:

3 – Raphaël Varane has scored three goals in a single season for the first time for Real Madrid (all competitions). Confidence. pic.twitter.com/fJD9wbtQw4

— OptaJose (@OptaJose) November 22, 2016

Dermot Corrigan of ESPN wasn’t sure the quick touch by Ronaldo for the assist was on purpose:

Looks like an [involuntary] assist …

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