Sporting Lisbon kept alive their hopes of qualifying for the knockout stages of the Champions League courtesy of a 3-1 victory over Maribor this evening.
The home side cruised into a two-goal lead at the Estadio Jose Alvalde with strikes from Carlos Mane and Nani, although Nascimento Jefferson's own goal shortly before the interval gave the Slovenian outfit some hope.
A 50-minute delay at half time due to floodlight failure led to a rather stop-start second half, but it was Sporting who took control of the contest to seal the points through Islam Slimani's 65th minute goal.
Relive Sports Mole's live text coverage of the action below.
Hello and welcome to Sports Mole's live text coverage of the Champions League group-stage meeting between Sporting Lisbon and Maribor.
Defeat for either side this evening will spell the end of their adventure in this competition, while victory on the other hand will leave Group G wide open heading into the final set of fixtures. The permutations don't end there, though, with a draw this evening being potentially fateful for the visitors should Schalke beat Chelsea in the group's other game this evening.
Chelsea supporters will be keeping a close eye on events at the Estadio Jose Alvalade, of course, although their fate is very much in their own hands heading into tonight's meeting with Roberto di Matteo's Schalke outfit. Should the Blues slip up, then we could be looking at a four-way battle for qualification in two weeks' time.
As things stand heading into matchday five, Chelsea lead Group G on eight points, Schalke have five, Sporting boast four points at this stage, while Maribor look up at the rest on three points. Although as mentioned, it is all very much still to play for. The picture may be a lot clearer come 10pm tonight.
Sporting come into this evening's game boasting just one defeat in European competition in their last eight home matches, although things haven't been quite so smooth domestically. Sitting eight points behind leaders Benfica after 10 games, Marco Silva's men are playing catch-up in the Primeira Liga, while matters could get worse with defeat here tonight.
The Dragons' only defeat in that aforementioned 10-game run came against Chelsea, whom they meet in West London in a fortnights' time. We are at the stage of the competition now where things really start getting tense, and Sporting know that they really must win this evening if they are to have any chance of progressing through to the knockout stages.
Domestically speaking, Maribor have enjoyed a purple patch in recent weeks having won their last three games coming into this one, including a 4-0 victory over FC Koper last time out. That said, the Purples find themselves six points off top spot in the Slovenian PrvaLiga after 17 games; losing four, drawing two and winning 11 of their games so far.
Maribor are returning to the Champions League this season for the first time in 15 years, and although they prop up the group, thanks in no small part to a 6-0 reverse against Chelsea earlier this campaign, they have also had their high points. In fact, last time out Ante Simundza's charges held the 2012 winners to a 1-1 draw - the third time that they have recorded that scoreline in their four Champions League games to date this season.
A 1-1 draw is unlikely to be enough this evening, however, although that would certainly be no mean feat against a Sporting side with far more pedigree at this level. The hosts have played their part in some highly entertaining contests in this year's competition, with their 4-2 victory over Schalke last time out following on from a 4-3 reverse against the same opponents a few weeks prior.
Well that sets up this evening's game nicely, so let's take a look at how the two sides line up coming into this make-or-break tie.
TEAM NEWS!
SPORTING LISBON STARTING XI: Patricio, Mauricio, Jefferson, Oliveira, Cedric, Carvalho, Mario, Silva, Slimani, Mane, Nani
MARIBOR STARTING XI: Handanovic, Mejac, Rajcevic, Arghus, Filipovic, Sallalich, Vrsic, Stajanovic, Mertelj, Tavares, Zahovic
Sporting are boosted by the return of Mauricio in their backline following the defender's one-match suspension, although there may be some concerns over the teams fitness levels with 11 members of the squad involved in international action last week.
Meanwhile, Rui Patricio will make his 61st appearance in European competition for the home side between the sticks, with Manchester United loanee Nani no doubt keen to make an impact at the other end of the field.
Maribor welcomed the return of Tavares and Ibraimi last time out following their respective spells on the sidelines, although the latter has to make do with a place among the substitutes in Portugal this evening.
In fact Tavares could prove to be a real handful for the opposition having scored 18 goals in Europe for the club, while the team boasts experienced pros throughout. Defender Aleksander Rajcevic has made 56 appearances in the Europa League and Champions League combined, and he will need to be on top form this evening in order to keep out a Sporting side with eight goals to their name in Group G thus far.
HEAD-TO-HEAD! In terms of previous meetings, these two sides have met on just once occasion previously; that coming back in September when the teams played out a 1-1 draw in Slovenia.
DID YOU KNOW? I've already touched on Sporting's impressive home record at this level, having lost just once - against Chelsea - in their last 18 European matches, although tonight's visitors boast an impressive stat of their own. The PrvaLiga outfit come into this game on the back of just two defeats in their last eight euro away matches - not bad for a side supposedly seen as group minnows.
Well kickoff at the Estadio Jose Alvalde is now a little over 15 minutes away, meaning that there is still time to check out what both managers have had to say heading into tonight's game.
Sporting coach Marco Silva: "The group won't be decided tonight. Like against Schalke, this game will be very important and if we want to reach the next round only a win will do. Although we know that a win will give us UEFA Europa League football, we are not focused on that; our goal is to qualify for the last 16."
Maribor coach Ante Simundza: "The first 20 minutes will be key against opponents who are ambitious and will put pressure on us from the very start. Sporting are favourites, a big and a great club. We are braced for a real examination by them. They are at home and because of it the pressure on them will be greater. I want my team to be aggressive and competitive."
So Sporting manager Silva acknowledges that his side simply must win on their home patch this evening if they are to progress, while Maribor's Simundza has warned that a win will not come easy. The Purples will be "aggressive and competitive" throughout, knowing that their hopes of qualification hangs by the thinnest of threads.
Some more pre-match comments from Sporting boss Marco Silva
PREDICTION: Maribor have been involved in three 1-1 draws in the Champions League so far this year, including in the reverse fixture on matchday 1, and I expect a similar outcome this evening. Although that said, Sporting will be focused on the task at hand, boosted by their victory over Schalke last time out.
The teams are now emerging from the tunnel at the Estadio Jose Alvalde, with kickoff just a few short minutes away. It goes without saying that there is an awful lot riding on this game, not just for the two sides involved but also for Chelsea and Schalke who themselves have not secured their passage through to the knockout stages.
The Champions League anthem has been played, the pre-match handshakes completed, and we are now all set for kickoff. Updates will be provided from the Schalke - Chelsea game across the night, in what should be another highly entertaining matchday.
KICKOFF! Scottish referee Craig Thomson gets the action underway in Portugal. Sporting are in their all-green kit, while Maribor are in yellow.
Great start for Sporting, and Nani in particular. The former Manchester United man went on a powerful run from the halfway line, although having picked out a teammate at a tight angle, the move couldn't be finished off with a goal.
UPDATE: SCHALKE 0-1 CHELSEA (TERRY, 2)
This is a really positive start from the hosts, and they could very well have had a penalty to go with that earlier half-chance. Jefferson charged through on goal before being brought down by Stojanovic, although the referee was quick to turn down the home side's appeals.
Nani is clearly in the mood tonight with numerous runs from his starting position out on the left so far, although his sloppy pass has allowed Maribor to have a rare few touches of the ball.
GOAL! SPORTING LISBON 1-0 MARIBOR (MANE)
Sporting have been quick off the mark here, and they now have a goal to show for their early dominance. Carlos Mane is the man who tapped it home, although it is Jefferson who deserves all the credit for his fantastic cross from the left. The full-back swung in the ball between Handanovic and the Maribor backline, causing all sorts of problems which Mane profited on.
LATEST GROUP G STANDINGS:
CHELSEA 11
SPORTING 7
SCHALKE 5
MARIBOR 3
CHANCE! Maribor have not been given a second to settle down in the opening 14 minutes or so, and Sporting look in the mood to add to their tally. The latest chance fell to Adrian, who was picked out in the centre of the box by Nani, although he was put under some pressure and was unable to truly connect with the ball which flew wide.
Sporting are completely bossing the midfield zone at the moment, which doesn't bode well for the visitors. This could be a long night for the side who lost 6-0 away at Chelsea earlier this month. That said, the last minute or so has seen the Purples enjoying their best spell on the ball thus far, knocking it around between them, albeit in non-dangerous areas.
Jefferson has swung in an almost identical cross to the one in which led to the opener, although this time it was slightly closer to Handanovic in goals, who was on hand to collect the ball. With Nani and Jefferson down that left-hand side, Maribor will need to strengthen up on that wing.
SAVE! Great stop from Handanovic who had to be at full stretch to deny Cedric's long-range blast. The ball was heading right for the bottom corner of the net if not for the intervention, which was right out of the top drawer.
SHOT! The visitors get in their first shot on goal from out of nowhere, although Patricio hardly had to break stride to keep out Vrsic's optimistic attempt.
Referee Craig Thomson's whistle has saved the blushes of goalscorer Mane, who has missed an open goal from five yards out. Once more Jefferson's cross into the area caused the danger, which Handanovic was unable to properly deal with, although the Portuguese was unable to convert the rebound from close range, smashing it against the crossbar.
Nani's out on the right now, and it's his turn to whip in a delicious-looking cross, which comes to nothing on this occasion. The opening quarter of this game has been very one sided, it must be said.
Nani is finding plenty of pockets around 25 yards from goal at the moment, and he doesn't need to be asked twice to take on a shot. He's been unable to find a way through so far, but his movement has been very good.
UPDATE: SCHALKE 0-2 CHELSEA (WILLIAN, 29)
LATEST GROUP G STANDINGS:
CHELSEA 11
SPORTING 7
SCHALKE 5
MARIBOR 3
Sporting not dominating in quite the same way as they were 10 minutes ago, but they are still by far the better side. The Primeira Liga outfit have played some very nice football so far, yet have just the one-goal lead to show for it.
The Lions are still using the width of the pitch very well, whipping in a large number of crosses which Maribor have no dealt with all that well. Nani is dropping back into some deeper positions, meanwhile, helping to build attacks from the back.
GOAL! SPORTING LISBON 2-0 MARIBOR (NANI)
Incredible! Having initially been picked out inside the box around seven yards from goal, Nani opted to take a touch to move the ball into a more central position, before seeing his shot blocked. He had a second bite of the cherry, though... eventually. With five opposition players around him, the former Manchester United winger waited for what felt like an age before finally getting a strike away which he smashed beyond Handanovic.
I'm not sure whether to slam Maribor for giving Nani around eight seconds on the ball inside the box, or praise the Portuguese for keeping calm to double his side's advantage. Either way, Sporting are cruising at the moment, and they are certainly good value for their two-goal lead.
That goal changes little in terms of the dynamics of the group, with Chelsea and Sporting still holding onto the top two spots. It looks like we're in for a night of little drama in Group G as the halfway stage approaches.
YELLOW CARD! Tavares is shown the game's first yellow card by referee Craig Thomson.
GOAL! SPORTING LISBON 2-1 MARIBOR (JEFFERSON, OG)
Well out of absolutely nowhere, Maribor are right back in this game. In what has been the most one-sided of contests, the visitors broke up the other end with Mejac's brilliantly-placed cross from the left being converted into his own net by Jefferson. To say that was against the run of play is a huge understatement.
I spoke a little too soon when I suggested that we were perhaps in for a night of little drama in Group G, then. That goal, which Mejac did fantastically well to create, changes everything as we head into the final minute of the half. The quality of the delivery ensured that Jefferson struggled to clear away, and he now has an own goal to go with his earlier assist as a result.
HALF TIME: SPORTING LISBON 2-1 MARIBOR
The referee brings the first 45 minutes to a close, with Sporting largely in command but with just a one-goal lead at the interval.
Incidentally, Chelsea now lead Schalke 3-0 in Germany, ensuring that they will be in the knockout stage of the competition once more this season. In Portugal, meanwhile, Sporting are doing their bit to ensure that they will join the Premier League leaders.
That Jefferson own goal a few minutes before half time will certainly change both manager's team talks at the interval, particularly Marco Silva's whose side have dominated throughout but are still left looking over their shoulder. Jefferson has been arguably the game's star player thus far, while Nani has also enjoyed a decent evening.
The teams are now back out on the field as we await the second half. It looks as though the hosts are going to make a change at the interval, too, with Ibraimi set to come on.
The teams are now back off the field, with the Scottish officials locked in discussion. I'm not too sure what the problem is at the moment...
An issue with the lighting at the Estadio Jose Alvalde has led to kickoff for the second half being delayed. Hopefully it can be rectified shortly, because these next 45 minutes have been beautifully set up following that Jefferson own goal.
The delay, which so far is at around 10 minutes, has led to the entire ground getting out their phones to light up the stadium in unison. I'm not quite sure that will work, mind...
Still no confirmation from UEFA with regards to how long this game will be halted, but surely the players will need 10 minutes or so to warm up following what has already been a 15-minute delay. Just a reminder - Sporting lead 2-1 at the prolonged break courtesy of goals from Mane and Nani, while Jefferson's own goal has ensured that it is all to play for in the Portuguese capital.
A rare situation this, and not one that will help either side. Should the problem not be rectified I can only assume that it will be postponed until a late date. That will cause UEFA, and not least both teams, endless problems in what is already a congested fixture calendar pre-Christmas.
Well I guess now is a good time to point you in the direction of Sports Mole's live text coverage of Group G's other clash this evening between Schalke and Chelsea, which can be found by clicking here. The Blues are cruising at 3-0 in that game, meaning that their passage into the next round is all-but confirmed.
Still nothing to bring you in terms of an update on the situation. It's fair to say that any momentum that was going to carry over from the first half has certainly gone now.
UEFA say they are hoping to get the floodlights back up and running within the next 10 minutes, or else a decision will have to be taken regarding whether or not the game will continue this evening.
GROUP G UPDATE: Chelsea, who put six past Maribor a few weeks back remember, are five goals to the good away at Schalke this evening. Will anyone stop them this season?!
Just a reminder of how things stand, although should this game be suspended a big decision will have to be made by UEFA - do we play the full 90 minutes again, or restart for the second half with the scoreline at 2-1?
LATEST GROUP G STANDINGS:
CHELSEA 11
SPORTING 7
SCHALKE 5
MARIBOR 3
Well as the remainder of games across the continent draw to a close, we are yet to get underway for the second half at the Estadio Jose Alvalde. Some of the floodlights appear to have now turned on, but it is still too dark to resume.
MARIBOR SUB: As planned, Maribor have made a change at the break, introducing the fit again Ibraimi in place of Vrsic.
SECOND HALF UNDERWAY! Fifty minutes later than planned, and with the rest of this evening's Champions League fixtures near enough concluded, we finally get the second half underway in Lisbon.
Maribor have come out the better side following the restart, which is in stark contrast to the first half when Sporting were on top. Sporting clearly affected more by that long pause.
GROUP G FULL-TIME RESULT: SCHALKE 0-5 CHELSEA
YELLOW CARD! A horror challenge from Stojanovic has led to the midfielder becoming the second player to receive a booking. It really could have been a red card, though, and the recipient of the challenge - Nani - looks in some discomfort to make matters worse for the hosts.
Nani has shaken off that knock and is quickly back in his full stride down the left. With the group's other game now over - which it has been since the early stages, in truth - both these sides now know what they have to do in order to remain in the competition. Maribor simply must win; Sporting need at least a point.
The game is far more even in the opening 10 minutes of the second half than it was in the first. Maribor have it all to do knowing that they need to find two goals from somewhere, while anything less than three points really would be a disaster for the Lions.
YELLOW CARDS! Maribor certainly look far stronger now, which is incredible considering the home side's dominance in the first half. Cedric and Arghus have each been shown a yellow card for a little coming together, meanwhile, meaning that the former will now miss Sporting's trip to face Chelsea next month.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, the game has been rather sloppy since the players emerged for the second half. That will of course suit Sporting, but you feel that Maribor have another goal in them which will be fatal for both side's qualifying hopes.
GOAL! SPORTING LISBON 3-1 MARIBOR (SLIMANI)
Well that could spell the end of Maribor's Champions League aspirations, while at the same time giving Sporting a real chance of progressing to the knockout stage. It's been a low-key start to the second half, and Maribor have started the better, although a moment of quality has seen the hosts further extend their advantage. A cross from Mario on the right was headed into the path of Slimani by Nani, and the Sporting man fired home brilliantly on the volley from close range.
SPORTING LISBON SUB: Goalscorer Mane has departed, with Carrillo taking his place.
SAVE! Slimani forces Handanovic into making another solid save with a close-range header. It's the hosts who are now looking in control, much like they were throughout the first half.
MARIBOR SUB: Sallalich has replaced Bohar with 20 minutes remaining in this Champions League Group B clash.
Maribor seem to have accepted that their Champions League campaign is at an end. Sporting are looking for a fourth, meanwhile, with 16 minutes of the game left to play.
SPORTING LISBON SUB: Montero replaces Sporting goalscorer Slimani.
SAVE! Handanovic has had a decent game this evening, and if not for him the Lions would be three goals ahead. The visiting stopper made himself big to keep out Mario's close-range effort to ensure that the score remains at 3-1.
MARIBOR SUB: Zahovic has been introduced in place of Mendy. Can the Purples find a consolation goal?
SAVE! Yet again Handanovic produces a top save, this time to deny Carrillo from close range. The substitute blasted the ball right down the keeper's throat in fairness, and failed to convert the rebound despite finding himself in a promising position.
SPORTING SUB: Mario has been particularly lively in this second half, but his night draws to a close with Andre Martins introduced in his place.
CHANCE! The key feature of this game has been the quality of crosses from the wings for the home side, and that has continued into the final stages of the contest. Montero's back-post in-swinger was headed across the face of goal by Nani, who was perhaps in two minds over whether to pick out a teammate or have a crack himself. In the end the ball sailed a few inches wide of the target.
CLOSE! Having cut inside on his right foot inside the box, many would have backed Nani to find the back of the net, but a costly slip saw him strike the ball wide of goal. Sporting really knocking on the door for a fourth.
SHOT! Montero tries his luck from 30 yards out, but he doesn't get enough spin on the strike which sails well wide of goal in the end. Two minutes to go at the Estadio Jose Alvalde.
The shots on Maribor's goal are coming in thick and fast now. Montero is on a personal mission to beat Handanovic, but his two efforts fail to find the net.
Sporting happy to see this one out now in a professional manner. They will travel to Chelsea in a fortnight full of confidence, knowing that they now hold the key to their own destiny.
SAVE! It's somewhat fitting that the final act of the game is Handanovic producing a stunning save to keep out Carvalho's strike. What a game he's had!
FULL TIME: SPORTING LISBON 3-1 MARIBOR
Well what an eventful night it has been, more so for events off the field than on it. A 50-minute delay at the interval due to floodlight failure almost led to the match being abandoned, but play did finally resume with Sporting running out deserved 3-1 winners.
That's all from me for this evening, but stick around on Sports Mole as we bring you a full match report, player ratings and analysis from this evening's Group G clash.
