Sporting struggles continue in Europa League

Sporting's struggles continued today in the first leg of Europa League play as they went down to defeat in Liverpool to Everton 2-1. The Toffees jumped out to a 2-0 lead early in the second half on a goal by Distin at the 49th minute after Pienaar had given the hosts a 1-0 lead at half time. Sporting got a break late in the game as Distin was given a red card for a hard tackle in the box and Miguel Veloso converted from the penalty spot at the 87th minute to give Sporting some hope going home for the second leg. Sporting have now gone six matches without a victory with five of the games ending in defeat in all competitions, their last win came against Trofense in the Carlsberg Cup match January 24/10, this will need to change if Sporting look to advance out of the Round of 32