#3 The slow nature of the game
Real fielded virtually the same starting XI which began the game against Atletico in the Madrid derby on Saturday with the exception of captain Sergio Ramos, who made a return to the first XI at the expense of Nacho Fernandez. They were supposed to be in good form, but Sporting had other ideas.
Playing in front of a capacity crowd at the Estadio da Luz, Sporting were buoyed by the atmosphere and contested nearly every ball in the first half with the passion and vigour of a well-motivated side. Their organisation made it difficult for Real to play through the middle, and Sporting were able to wrest possession in a number of one-on-one situations throughout the course of the game.
Real were unable to force the initiative and had only 2 shots on target in the entire game – both of which were converted. Sporting were not able to create many openings themselves, but their perseverance at both ends of the pitch made Real’s life really difficult, and they have to be commended for making it a thoroughly engrossing contest.
