Sporting CP 4-1 Barça: Loss in Lisbon

A defeat for FC Barcelona at a tough place to go. Edu Castro's side lost 4-1 to Sporting CP after a very even game that decanted in the home side's favour, particularly in the second half.

Barça and Sporting both began the game at a fast pace with transitions and counterattacks predominating over long and measured attacks. This wasn't ideal for Edu Castro's side, as despite having some good chances, they were unable to take the sting out of the game.

The defences were on top and it took until there were only five minutes left in the half for the deadlock to be broken. First Barça went ahead through Pau Bargalló from the centre of the court (0-1, min. 20). However, just fifty seconds later Sporting drew level with a mid range finish by Nolito and the teams went in level at the break.

Despite clearer chances for the blaugranes to regain the lead after the restart, Sporting and "Nolo" again scored past Sergi Fernández, who couldn't do anything to avoid the goal (2-1, min. 40).

The home side made the most of their good moment, and when it looked like the visitors were close to equalising but fell short in terms of accuracy, they scored two quick goals through Bessa (min. 45) and Verona (min. 47) to make it 4-1 and seal the win.

Time to regroup and prepare for the return leg at home in front of the fans at the Palau Blaugrana on 11 April (8.30pm CEST) with qualification for the next round as the prize.

SPORTING 4BARÇA 1

Spoting: Ângelo Girão, Gonzalo Romero, Matias Platero, Ferran Font, Toni Pérez - starting five -  Bessa, Verona, Souto, Magalhaes

Barça: S.Fernández, Alabart, P. Bargalló, X.Barroso, J.Rodrigues - starting five - Panadero, Sergi Llorca, Eloi Cervera, Marc Grau.

Goals: 0-1, Pau Bargalló (min. 20); 1-1, Nolito (min. 21); 2-1, Nolito (min. 40); 3-1, Bessa (min. 45); 4-1, Verona (min. 47)

Referees: Filippo Fronte. Fouls 8-4