Real Madrid defeat Sporting Lisbon 2-1 in their first Champions League match this season.
A superb free-kick from Cristiano Ronaldo’s superb stirred a late turnaround for Real Madrid as they secured a dramatic win over Sporting.
Sporting got a well-deserved lead in the second half courtesy of midfielder Bruno Cesar.
It did initially look like they would hold on to the lone goal until Ronaldo stepped up to curl in a superb free-kick equalizer in the 89th minute.
Madrid started their game rather slowly, playing their first Champions League match since winning the trophy at San Siro on May 28.
The whole team seemed strangely subdued despite having Karim Benzema back on the team, although he still seemed short of full fitness.
Cristiano Ronaldo, on his own, still looked somewhat short of his peak performing self following his knee injury.
More injury worries for Madrid as striker Gareth Bale ended up with an injury on the night.
By contrast, Sporting were impressive. Sporting stood tall at the Santiago Bernabeu, attacking with pace and gusto.
And they eventually got a deserving lead through Bruno Cesar in the 47th minute.
But a victory for Sporting was sadly not going to be, as Ronaldo pulled in a dying minute equalizer.
He did a similar thing in the UEFA Super Cup last month with a last-minute equalizer.
While still celebrating the equalizer, Madrid fans were sent into delirium as Morata headed the winning goal in the last minutes of the game.
A cross from substitute James Rodriguez was met with a power header by Morata winning the game for Madrid.
Sporting coach Jorge Jesus after the match said:
“We had 85 minutes with great tactical discipline and positionalrigour. “Madrid had few chances, then came Ronaldo’s free-kick. It is not easy. “No other team will play here at Madrid as Sporting have.”
Jorge Jesus has been tipped as a future Real Madrid coach.
Madrid Manager, Zinedine Zidane said: “We suffered, but I’m happy because we came through with the win. “With the changes, you always look for something more. The changes help you to bring something else. “I’m happy with James, with Alvaro and with Lucas.”
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