Sporting CP continued their perfect start to the 2026/27 UEFA Champions League campaign with a 2-0 victory over Lens at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis on Tuesday.
Luis Suarez and Issa Doumbia scored in either half to secure the win for the Portuguese side, who have also maintained their unbeaten record across all competitions this season.
Lens enjoyed more possession in the opening stages but struggled to create clear-cut opportunities, with Florian Thauvin registering their only shot on target within the first 20 minutes.
Sporting gradually grew into the contest and took the lead midway through the first half when Suarez finished from close range after receiving a clever pass from Nestory Irankunda near the six-yard box.
Suarez nearly doubled the advantage shortly after the half-hour mark after breaking through Lens’ defensive line, but goalkeeper Robin Risser made an important save to keep the hosts in the game.
Lens came close to equalising minutes later when Franjo Ivanovic’s curling effort from about 25 yards struck the woodwork.
The second half produced further opportunities for both sides.
Sporting goalkeeper Kaique Pereira denied Amadou Haidara with an impressive save, while Risser stopped Joao Simoes at the other end.
Pereira also made another crucial intervention to keep out Odsonne Edouard’s effort at his near post.
Sporting eventually sealed the victory as Lens pushed forward in search of an equaliser.
Substitute Silas Andersen delivered an excellent pass to Doumbia, who calmly beat Risser to make it 2-0 and secure all three points for the visitors.
The result extended Sporting’s unbeaten away run to 11 matches in all competitions, dating back to March. It was also only their second victory in nine visits to France.
For Lens, the defeat halted their momentum following their opening-day victory over Slavia Prague. It was only their third loss in 30 home matches in UEFA competitions.
Sporting goalkeeper Kaique Pereira was named Man of the Match after producing several important saves to preserve his side’s clean sheet.
