Latest: Sporting 0 Chelsea 1 – Blues closing in on victory in Lisbon

Chelsea are on course for victory in their second Champions League game of the season thanks to Nemanja Matic’s superb looping header.

But the Blues face a tough test to keep out a Sporting Lisbon side who are posing a far greater threat after being outclassed in the first half.

Former Benfica midfielder Matic met a long, floated Cesc Fabregas cross at the back post and guided the ball into the far corner of the Sporting net soon after the half-hour mark.

The lead was thoroughly deserved after a dominant opening by the Blues, who could easily have been three goals ahead by that point.

Diego Costa, who started despite ongoing concerns about a hamstring injury, was denied an opener inside two minutes by a brilliant Rui Patricio block.

And the Sporting goalkeeper made a fine save to thwart Andre Schurrle, who also missed a glorious chance after being teed up by the excellent Eden Hazard.

Islam Slimani wasted the home side’s beat first-half chance, a downward header that was easily dealt with by Thibaut Courtois.

But the Portuguese played with far greater purpose after the interval, with former Manchester United winger Nani at the heart of nearly all their best work.

He curled one effort just wide and also hit the side netting after a fine move.

But Chelsea were still creating – and missing – the best chances.

Oscar poked an effort straight at the on-rushing Patricio when through on goal while Costa had a shot blocked.

And Chelsea failed to make the most of several promising positions to seal victory as the game reached its final quarter.

Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Filipe Luis; Matic, Fabregas; Schurrle, Oscar, Hazard; Diego Costa
Subs: Cech, Azpilicueta, Zouma, Mikel, Salah, Willian, Remy.

Follow West London Sport on Twitter
Find us on Facebook