Schalke 04 claimed their first Champions League victory of the season on Tuesday evening with a dramatic 4-3 win over Sporting Lisbon.
Nani opened the scoring for Sporting in the first half, before Mauricio's red card handed the advantage to the hosts.
A Chinedu Obasi header in the 34th minute, followed by goals from Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and Benedikt Howedes, appeared to put Schalke on course for a comfortable triumph.
However, Adrien Silva responded with a brace to level the scores, before a controversial penalty in the 93rd minute allowed Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting to secure the points for the hosts.
Read below to find out how the drama unfolded.
Good evening everyone. It's a big night in Europe as the Champions League group stage reaches its halfway point. Schalke 04 host Sporting Lisbon in Gelsenkirchen tonight, and both sides will be desperate for a victory as they look to boost their hopes of progressing.
In Group G, which also includes Chelsea and Maribor, both Schalke and Sporting will feel confident about their chances of reaching the last-16. Schalke start the night on two points after claiming draws in their opening two fixtures, while Sporting followed a draw with Maribor by losing to Chelsea earlier this month.
Maribor are certainly considered the outsiders in this group, and many onlookers have tipped either Schalke or Sporting for the second spot behind Chelsea, who still have plenty to do before they can claim first place as their own. These two teams face each other in a double header over the next two matchdays, and the results will go a long way to deciding who progresses.
There will certainly be a different mood in Gelsenkirchen this evening. Roberto Di Matteo's appointment as Schalke's new head coach was greeted in positive fashion, and he made the perfect start with a 2-0 victory over Hertha Berlin on the weekend. The Italian returns to the Champions League tonight. His last appearance as a coach in the competition was guiding Chelsea to the title in Munich in 2012.
Morale may be high again in the Schalke camp, but they're meeting a Sporting side tonight who have every reason to be confident, too. A loss to Chelsea was disappointing, but the performance may have pleased Marco Silva, whose side recorded a 3-1 triumph at Porto on the weekend. That display has given the visitors a big boost ahead of tonight's game.
In tonight's other Group G fixture, Chelsea are hosting Maribor at Stamford Bridge, and they're firm favourites to extend their lead at the top of the table. I'll make sure to keep you updated with events in West London.
These two teams have never met in a UEFA competition, but Schalke boast an impressive record against Portuguese sides in Europe having lost just one of the previous eight games against the likes of Porto and Braga. The last time Sporting faced a German club in the Champions League, they lost 7-1 and 5-0 to Bayern Munich in the 2009 group stages.
Schalke are putting an admirable record on the line this season. The Bundesliga outfit have managed to reach the knockout stages in each of the previous four campaigns, which is a great achievement for a club desperate to close the gap on Bayern and Borussia Dortmund in their domestic league.
It's worth noting that Sporting start the night bottom of Group G, trailing both Schalke and Maribor by a point. A defeat this evening could prove to be fatal, and it would take something very special for them to recover and secure a spot in the last 16. Silva needs a big performance from his side.
Remember, you can follow live text coverage of any Champions League game tonight by clicking on the fixtures in the live scores box. As soon as the final whistle is blown, reaction and analysis will be on the way to give you a chance to reflect on the night's action.
Teams news is on the way, but I can tell you already that Di Matteo has made two changes to the side that beat Hertha Berlin in his first game in charge.
SCHALKE: Fahrmann, Howedes, Hoger, Aogo, Obasi, Uchida, Ayhan, Boateng, Draxler, Huntelaar, Neustadter
SUBS: Wetklo, Kirchoff, Meyer, Choupo-Moting, Sam, Fuchs, Barnetta
Christian Fuchs and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting are the players to miss out for the hosts as Di Matteo looks to freshen up his side with the introductions of Marco Hoger and Chinedu Obasi. Max Meyer and Tranquillo Barnetta are also on the bench for Schalke.
SPORTING: Patricio; Silva, Mauricio, Oliveira, Cedric; Carvalho, Mario, Adrien; Nani, Slimani, Carrillo
SUBS: Boeck, Martins, Montero, Capel, Rosell, Sarr, Mane
It's as pretty much as expected from Silva as he elects to keep faith with the striking duo of Islam Slimani and Andre Carrillo. Nani, who has found the net four times since returning to Lisbon in the summer, will provide the main support to the front two.
PREDICTION: We're just over 15 minutes away from kickoff. The teams are in, the fans are slowly starting to fill the stands, so it's time for a prediction. Both sides head into the game desperate for a win, and are full of confidence after their respective victories on the weekend. All of that is enough to persuade me to sit on the fence. 2-2.
A big factor tonight will be how Sporting handle the threat posed by Klaas-Jan Huntelaar. On his night, he can terrorise defenders, but he needs the right service. His performance will be important, and he'll be hopeful of linking well with Julain Draxler.
Another of Schalke's key players, Kevin-Prince Boateng, head into the game one yellow card away from a one-match suspension. Sporting's Mauricio will also miss a match if he picks up a caution tonight.
Nani makes his 57th appearance in the Champions League tonight. You feel that if Sporting are going to reach the next round of the competition, the winger will have to play a key role tonight and in the next three matches.
Here we go. The players have emerged from the tunnel to be greeted by a fantastic reception. As the case always seems to be with German fans, it's very loud already. Superb support from the Schalke army.
It's going to be Sporting who get the game underway in just a few moments.
Bright beginning to the game from Obasi, who starts for the first time this season, as he sprints down the right before clipping a ball into the middle which is cleared before Huntelaar can head at goal.
Sporting get on the front foot with a longer ball forward, and Nani comes close to picking out the bottom corner with a curled effort from the edge of the box. Fahrmann seemed to have it covered, though.
Schalke have tried to get Obasi involved on a few occasions already, but the lively wide man sees another cross into the box cleared. An attempted counter-attack from Sporting ends in disappointment as the hosts win a free kick.
Hoger drives the team forward from midfield and exchanges passes with Huntelaar on the edge of the box. He should pick out Draxler on his left, but instead chooses to hit a weak effort straight at Patricio.
Uchida gets caught with a stray arm from Nani, who looks frustrated after wasting a yard of space on the left wing. Decent tempo to the game in the early stages as both sides look to take control.
Schalke have looked more composed on the ball early on, but Sporting a defending well in numbers and are doing a superb job of limiting the space on offer to the likes of Hoger, Draxler and Boateng.
Carrillo does well to evade a couple of challenges on the edge of the box before picking out Slimani, who sends a wayward shot over the crossbar. Nothing more than a half-chance for the forward, but he will feel he could have done better.
A lively start has been followed by a bit of a quiet period in the previous couple of minutes. Huntelaar has seen very little of the ball, and it's Sporting who are starting to appear the more comfortable of the two sides.
GOAL! SCHALKE 0-1 SPORTING (NANI)
I mentioned he might be a key player tonight, and Nani has managed to make the breakthrough! A clever corner routine finds Nani in space inside the box. He doesn't make great contact with the shot, but Huntelaar's failure to make the block confuses Fahrmann, who concedes in the 16th minute. Advantage to the visitors!
SHOT! Schalke attempt to hit back immediately as a deep cross from Oabsi reaches Draxler, who sends a powerful volley past the post. Great effort from the young German.
Nani's goal has had a big impact on this game. Schalke have been forced to step up the pace of their play as another move ends in frustration when Boateng is caught offside in a good position. Mauricio then picks up a yellow card for a late tackle on Huntelaar. Silly booking.
Adrien fires another warning shot at the hosts as he collects the ball in space 25 yards from goal. However, his effort is easily stopped by Fahrmann.
Aogo's cross is only cleared as far as Draxler, whose effort from inside a congested box is deflected wide. The corner which follows is easily dealt with by the Sporting defence.
SUBSTITUTION: Sporting have been forced into an early change in Gelsenkirchen as Slimani, who has picked up a knock, makes way for Fredy Montero. Silva is still looking to be positive with the two front men.
It doesn't seem to be clicking for Schalke just yet. They've looked more dangerous when the ball has been played into wide areas, but the pace of their attacks has slowed at a crucial moment far too often.
Schalke are seeing a lot of the ball now. Di Matteo will be furious with the accuracy of their passing though as Sporting twice win possession back in the middle of the park. Carvalho, in particular, is performing very impressively for the visitors.
A dangerous corner from Aogo is cleared back to him, but he is unable to pick out a teammate at the second time of asking. Sporting are winning every 50/50 at the moment, despite being pushed onto the back foot.
RED CARD! Huge moment in the match. Mauricio stupidly fouls Hoger when he clearly would not have been able to win a header. It's a deserved second yellow and he's out his side into trouble.
GOAL! SCHALKE 1-1 SPORTING (OBASI)
Incredible few moments in the game. Sporting's players are sent away after attempting to keep Mauricio from being dismissed, and they are quickly punished for their teammate's error. Aogo's inviting free kick is headed in by Obasi. Patricio should do much better, but he can only push the ball into the bottom corner.
In the space of just a couple of minutes, this match has a completely different complexion. Mauricio's stupidity has opened the door for Schalke and they are pressing for another goal before the break. Hoger is chopped down by Nani on the edge of the box, but the referee somehow manages to miss the foul.
SUBSTITUTION: Silva makes his second change of the first half to address the problems in his defence following Mauricio's dismissal. Joao Mario is sacrificed as Naby Sarr is sent on to fill the gap at the back.
What can Sporting do from here? It looks like Montero will go out to the wing, leaving Carrillo to lead the line on his own. There's a lot of time remaining in this match. Patience will be key for Schalke if they are to pick up the win.
Sporting enjoy a spell on top as Montero first sees an effort blocked, before Nani fails to direct a header at goal in a congested penalty area. Carvalho is showing his importance to the team as he breaks up a Schalke attack a few moments later.
Jonathan Silva gifts Schalke a free kick with a high challenge on Uchida. Aogo picks out Obasi with the cross once again, but the Nigerian can only head wide under pressure in the box.
YELLOW CARD! Excellent from Draxler as he leads an attack with a great run from the left. He invites the challenge from Cedric, who picks up a yellow card for a tackle from behind.
After a long protest from the visitors, Draxler finally watches his free kick take a deflection off the wall. Schalke win the corner, but Sporting manage to hold firm.
HALF TIME: SCHALKE 04 1-1 SPORTING LISBON
Well, it was a slow start in Gelsenkirchen, but there ended up being plenty of action in the first half. Sporting made the breakthrough when Nani's miscued strike founds its way in, but two needless fouls from Mauricio saw the numerical advantage handed to Schalke. The hosts took advantage when Obasi headed home. Di Matteo's side have a great chance of collecting all three points from here.
Sporting aren't out of the game, but they're going to have to produce a tremendous defensive display after being forced to watch Schalke press on when Mauricio was dismissed. Schalke are going to see a lot of the ball in the second half. Can the visitors hold on for at least a point?
As you can see in the live scores box on the right of the page, it's been a pretty eventful night so far in the Champions League. However, the key score for supporters of these two sides is at Stamford Bridge, where Chelsea are currently leading Maribor 3-0, which means Jose Mourinho's side will surely be in control at the top of Group G.
Marco Silva was forced to make two substitutions in the first half, so he'll be hopeful that these 10 players can last for the majority of the second half. Schalke can make it even more difficult if they use the ball effectively. Stretching the game and making sure the full backs are always an option will be key for Schalke.
The players are back out on the pitch. It will be Schalke who get the game back underway.
SUBSTITUTION: Di Matteo made a change at the interval, with Choupo-Moting sent on to replace Boateng. The substitute will add a different type of threat with his ability to run beyond defenders.
It's hardly surprising to see Schalke take control early in the second half. Sporting are refusing to press the ball too highly, and are instead keeping men behind the ball in an attempt to frustrate the hosts.
The camera has just shown Boateng on the bench wearing some strapping on his foot. You'd assume it wasn't that serious for the midfielder, but Di Matteo knows he can't afford to take risks with one of his key players.
GOAL! SCHALKE 2-1 SPORTING (HUNTELAAR)
One chance for Huntelaar, one goal. Draxler leads a break on the left, before picking out Choupo-Moting, who plays the perfect through ball for his Dutch teammate. Huntelaar, on his 150th appearance for the club, holds off Oliveira before firing into the bottom corner.
Despite having one more man, the nerves would have been obvious if Schalke had struggled to find a second goal. The mood is slightly more relaxed now and Di Matteo will feel like his team can add a couple more before the final whistle. Can Sporting respond?
Schalke are looking dominant mood now as Huntelaar finds space to pick out Obasi, who cuts inside before striking a deflected effort just wide of the post. It's not looking good for Sporting. The visitors have barely touched the ball in the second half.
YELLOW CARD! The frustration is clear as Nani pulls down Aogo after losing the ball to his rival. Unsurprisingly, the Portuguese winger is booked for the foul.
Sporting win a corner when Nani runs out of options on the right win, but they're unable to create a chance form a rare venture forward. Set pieces may be their best route to an unlikely equaliser.
Howedes decides it's time to head forward as he wins the ball before making a run which is well spotted by Choupo-Moting. Unfortunately for the defender, he is unable to collect the pass before Oliveira can clear.
GOAL! SCHALKE 3-1 SPORTING (HOWEDES)
Howedes gets his goal! Ayhan curls in a superb free kick from the right wing, and the Schalke centre back rises highest to head past a helpless Patricio. The home side look to be cruising to all three points now.
PENALTY! Carrillo wins a penalty as he pokes the ball through the legs of Ayhan, who brings the Sporting forward down just inside the box. Is this game still alive?
GOAL! SCHALKE 3-2 SPORTING (ADRIEN)
Adrien gives his side a glimmer of hope by firing home from the penalty spot to give Fahrmann no chance of keeping the ball out.
SUBSTITUTION: Di Matteo responds to the Sporting goal by replacing Obasi with Max Meyer.
Sporting are still big underdogs, but that penalty gives the visitors a chance of claiming something from this match. Di Matteo will be hopeful his players remain composed. The hosts can't afford to panic.
Nani and Carrillo lead the attack for Sporting as they continue to enjoy a decent spell. The ball runs away from Nani at the crucial moment, though and the opportunity passes.
Howedes clips a clever ball to Choupo-Moting who heads into the path of Draxler. The German attempts the volley from the edge of the box, but his strike isn't powerful enough to worry Patricio. Sporting have the opportunity to break until Nani gives the ball away in the final third of the pitch.
There's a break in play in Gelsenkirchen to allow Howedes to receive treatment on a cut to the head he picked up a few moments ago. It's a good time to tell you that Chelsea are now leading Maribor 4-0 at Stamford Bridge.
Howedes is back on, and Schalke remain on top. Their game has lacked a cutting edge since Adrien's penalty. It's frustration for Aogo as he gets into a very good position of the left before hitting the first defender with his cross.
Schalke wastes a great chance to finish the game off. It's four on three at one stage as Draxler launches an attack. Choupo-Moting kills the move with a poor pass to Huntelaar, whose cross is cleared while Draxler and Meyer wait in the box.
GOAL! SCHALKE 3-3 SPORTING (ADRIEN)
Sporting draw level! A stunning night of football continues as Schalke fail to deal with attack from the visitors, who keep the pressure on well. The ball is eventually given to Cedric and it's his cross which finds Adrien at the back post. He heads home his second of the night after being let go by Choupo-Moting. What a game!
Will there be a winner? The pressure is on Schalke to look for the seventh goal of the game. Sporting have responded magnificently in the second half after facing a huge challenge to claim anything from the game.
SUBSTITUTION: Sidney Sam is introduced for the closing stages as Draxler makes way for his teammate.
Schalke continue to give the ball away at crucial moments in the final third of the pitch. They've dominated possession since Sporting were reduced to 10 men, but they should have created more chances than the three which produced the goals.
Cedric does superbly well to close down Meyer after a clever pass from Huntelaar. The Sporting defender makes a crucial block to keep out the cross with Sam waiting in a dangerous position inside the box.
SUBSTITUTION: Marco Silva makes his final change as Diego Capel comes off the bench to replace the impressive Carrillo moments after a promising Sporting attack ended with Jonathan Silva missing his teammates with a cross.
The fourth official confirms that there will be three minutes added on. Time for a late twist?
Aogo puts Schalke under unnecessary pressure with a foul on Montero on the wing. However, Nani's delivery is easily collected by Fahrmann. Half chance wasted by the visitors.
PENALTY! More drama. Schalke appeal for hand ball, but the decision isn't made until the official behind the goal makes the call a few seconds later. Replays appear to suggest the ball struck Silva's face.
GOAL! SCHALKE 4-3 SPORTING (CHOUPO-MOTING)
Choupo-Moting slots his penalty into the bottom corner to surely hand Schalke all three points. A fantastic night will end controversially, though. Huntelaar's header was hit straight at Silva's face. There was no hand involved at all. Sporting will be furious.
FULL TIME: SCHALKE 4-3 SPORTING
Now breathe! Choupo-Moting's penalty hands the victory to Schalke, but you have to feel for Sporting. It should have never been a penalty for the hosts. Could that decision prove to be crucial in Group G?
Thank you for joining me on an incredible night in the Champions League. We saw it all in this game tonight, and I hope you've enjoyed the coverage. Reaction and analysis is on the way. Goodnight.
Written by
Callum Mulvihill
Callum Mulvihill
