RB Leipzig secured their first Champions League win in seven matches on Wednesday, overcoming Sporting 2-1 in a hard-fought encounter that dealt a blow to the visitors’ chances of reaching the top eight.
Leipzig, already out of contention after six consecutive defeats in the new league phase, struck first in the 19th minute when Benjamin Sesko latched onto David Raum’s perfectly-timed cutback to slot the ball home.
Raum, returning to action after missing October due to injury, thought he had doubled the lead in the 31st minute, but his effort was ruled out for offside.
Sporting, with Rui Borges making his Champions League debut as head coach, pressed for an equaliser before halftime, but Leipzig held firm.
The hosts almost extended their advantage after the break, with Xavi Simons sending his shot over the bar in the 49th minute.
Amadou Haidara nearly made it 2-0, but his low shot struck the post, allowing Sporting to stay in the game.
Substitute Viktor Gyokeres capitalized on that reprieve, brilliantly beating defender Willi Orban in a one-on-one and firing the equaliser in the 75th minute.
However, Leipzig restored their lead just three minutes later, with Yussuf Poulsen scrambling the ball into the net to seal the victory.
Sporting now sit in 19th place with 10 points and one match remaining. Only the top eight teams progress directly to the round of 16, while the next 16 will vie for knockout spots in a playoff round.
