Issa Doumbia earns Sporting a valuable win over Shakhtar

Sporting beat Shakhtar Donetsk 1-0 at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday in the Champions League. Issa Doumbia scored the only goal in the 59th minute, giving the Portuguese side a return to winning ways in the competition. Shakhtar, coached by Arda Turan, pushed for a draw, but Sporting held on. The result followed Sporting’s home defeat to LASK Linz (2-3) in their previous Champions League match.

The match took place at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea’s ground, which was made available to Shakhtar. Sporting were led by interim coach Tiago Fernandes after the recent departure of Rui Borges. The Portuguese side took a different organisational approach, with Iván Fresneda, a Spain international and an important player under Borges, among those starting on the bench. The change did not immediately help Sporting build attacks against an aggressive Shakhtar side.

There were few chances in a first half disrupted by frequent stoppages. Shakhtar had a slight edge, drawing on their physical play and the creativity of Alisson Santana and Marlon Gomes. Both players had recently been called up by Carlo Ancelotti for Brazil. The game became more fluid after the interval. Doumbia had already come close before his goal settled the contest.

The breakthrough came at the end of a team move. Pedro Enrique intercepted Silas Andersen’s pass intended for Luis Suárez, but the ball ran through to Doumbia, who turned it into the net. Andersen and Suárez later came close to adding a second. Shakhtar also threatened from a set piece, but Rui Silva kept out a low Alisson shot to preserve Sporting’s lead.

Sporting’s next Champions League match is against Manchester United on November 25. Shakhtar will face Fenerbahçe on the same day.