Sporting Lisbon recovered from a dismal start to beat FC Basel 2-0 in the Champions League Wednesday.

October 2, 2008

Sporting Lisbon recovered from a dismal start to beat FC Basel 2-0 in the Champions League Wednesday. Behind second-half goals from Leandro Romagnoli and Derlei.

A freakish goal put the Portuguese outfit into the lead after 55 minutes when a clearance from inside Basel’s area by David Abraham ricocheted off Romagnoli and looped into the far corner of the net.

Following a lackluster first half, Sporting showed more fire after the interval and Derlei twice headed against the post before extending the home team’s lead in the 86th with a low right-footed shot on a counter attack.

“We weren’t very effective in the first half. Once we scored we found more space,” Sporting coach Paulo Bento said. “We had to win this game. I believe that yes, we can play better.”

The Portuguese club captured its first points in Group C, while the Swiss champion recorded its second straight defeat.

“We controlled Sporting’s midfield in the first half but then they started to play quicker in the second half,” Basel coach Christian Goss said. “In the end they deserved the three points.”

There was only one shot on target in the first half, when Derlei span and volleyed a shot from the edge of the area for Franco Costanzo to produce a reflex save.

Neither team could get traction in midfield in the first half, too often surrendering possession and failing to create scoring chances, drawing jeers from the home supporters.

“I don’t like it when fans boo the players,” Bento said. “If they want to boo anyone, they should boo me.”

The visitor fought back after the opening goal, and Benjamin Huggel beat the Sporting defense but couldn’t get past goalkeeper Rui Patricio.

Derlei hit the post from a Joao Moutinho bicycle kick in the 48th and then from a corner in the 75th.

Substitute Yannick Djalo struck a dipping shot from the left flank which goalkeeper Franco Costanzo tipped over the bar.

Sporting Lisbon, which has never reached the competition’s knockout stage in four appearances, lost 3-1 at Barcelona in its opening group game.

Basel was seeking its first points after losing 2-1 at home against Shakhtar Donetsk.