Sporting Lisbon boosted their chances of reaching the knockout stages of the Champions League with a 4-2 victory over Schalke 04 in Group G.

Islam Slimani's own goal gifted the lead to Schalke, but Sporting hit back through goals from Naby Sarr, Jefferson and Nani to take control.

Schalke reduced the deficit late on through Dennis Aogo, but Slimani broke away in stoppage time to score at the right end and wrap up the win for Sporting.

Below, Sports Mole looks back on a dramatic night in the Portuguese capital.

Match statistics

SPORTING
Shots: 14
On target: 8
Possession: 52%
Corners: 5
Fouls: 16

SCHALKE
Shots: 9
On target: 2
Possession: 48%
Corners: 6
Fouls: 11

Was the result fair?

No-one could argue that Sporting did not deserve to collect all three points tonight. It was close in the first half, but Sporting always looked the sharper of the two sides as they troubled Schalke with their impressive pressing game. They improved as the match progressed, and were in complete control for long spells after the break. Schalke scored twice against the run of play, but they would have been fortunate to claim a point.

Sporting's performance

Marco Silva will be absolutely delighted with his players. Heading into this match, Sporting had collected just one point from their opening three games, but they certainly were not lacking in confidence. They worked incredibly hard off the ball, and apart from two errors, defended well for the majority of the match. Nani and Carlos Mane were always a threat on the wings, while their eagerness to send players forward from deep was a key factor in the win. If Sporting can replicate this performance, they will fancy their chances of progressing.

Schalke's performance

At 1-0, most people would have expected Schalke to improve after being handed the lead by Slimani's own goal. However, it never really clicked for the visitors this evening. They stayed in the game because they refused to gift the win to the hosts, but Roberto Di Matteo's side simply weren't at their best. Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting and Chindeu Obasi drifted in and out of the game, while Klaas-Jan Huntelaar didn't receive the service he craves.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Nani: Whether you like the Portuguese winger or not, it would be impossible not to enjoy his performance against Schalke. He was a constant threat to the visiting defence with his trickery and pace on either wing. The 27-year-old was involved in almost every one of Sporting's attacks, and a goal was the perfect way to cap off an excellent evening.

Biggest gaffe

Despite struggling to match Sporting in the second half, Schalke were gifted a chance to equalise when a ball broke loose in the six-yard box. However, Obasi decided against shooting first time and Rui Patricio was given the opportunity to come off his line to make the block.

Referee performance

Paolo Tagliavento was too eager to use his yellow card in the first half, but he still managed to keep the game under control when the challenges were flying in.

What next?

Sporting Lisbon: Silva's side are back in action against Pacos de Ferreira on Sunday evening.

Schalke: Di Matteo takes his side to Freiburg in the Bundesliga on Saturday.