TugaScout is an English-language site reporting on matters associated with Portuguese football by freelance writer Alex Goncalves, offering the latest news, reviews and opinions surrounding the Portuguese League and the Seleção players based abroad.

Sporting 1-0 Aberdeen

Sporting 1-0 Aberdeen

Sporting overcame Scottish opponent Aberdeen in the Europa League third qualifying round thanks to a thunderous effort from 18-year old Tiago Tomas.

Though Sporting went into the game as favourites, there was an element of concern regarding their chances, with nine players out of the squad after testing positive for coronavirus, while manger Ruben Amorim was also forced to stay away from the match due to Covid-19.

However, despite having to do without new signings Pedro Goncalves and Nuno Santos, alongside the likes of Eduardo Quaresma and Joao Palhinha, Sporting came out on top, creating the opportunities but only scoring once through young Tomas, who fired home in the 7th minute.

The win sets up a meeting with Austrian outfit LASK, who qualified by defeating DAC Streda 7-0. Sporting faced LASK in the Europa League last season, beating them 2-1 at home and losing 0-3 away.

Rio Ave 2-2 AC Milan (AC Milan win 9-8 on penalties)

Rio Ave 2-2 AC Milan (AC Milan win 9-8 on penalties)

Besiktas 1-1 Rio Ave (Rio Ave advance 4-2 on penalties)

Besiktas 1-1 Rio Ave (Rio Ave advance 4-2 on penalties)