Champions League: Lens loses on Baidoo's starting XI comeback

RC Lens were defeated 2-0 by Sporting Lisbon on the second matchday of the UEFA Champions League.

RC Lens dominated the early stages of the match, with Austrian international Samson Baidoo making his first start since returning from injury.

However, the visitors took the lead. With their first attack, Luis Suarez made it 1-0 in the 22nd minute after a cross from Nésor Irankunda. Sporting remained the more dangerous side thereafter, with Lens goalkeeper Robin Risser saving from Suarez (33') and Irankunda narrowly missing the post (44').

At the other end, Franjo Ivanović was unlucky, hitting the post in the 34th minute, while Sporting goalkeeper Kaique Pereira saved Florian Thauvin's follow-up shot.

Doumbia seals the win

Baidoo's evening ended in the 58th minute, as Lens pressed for an equalizer.

However, Pereira made saves against former Salzburg player Amadou Haidara (60') and Odsonne Edouard (62'), while his counterpart Risser denied Joao Simoes with his foot (61'). Instead of Lens finding an equalizer, Sporting scored the decisive goal.

Jesse Derry emerged victorious against two defenders, and the ball found its way to Issa Doumbia via Silas Andersen, who made it 2-0 in the 74th minute.

This marks Sporting's second win in their second Champions League match, while Lens remains on three points.

Slavia loses in Baku

In the parallel match, Sabah FK from Azerbaijan defeated Slavia Prague 2-0. Kaheem Parris scored the opener in the 49th minute at the temporary stadium in Baku, and Joy-Lance Mickels extended the lead shortly before the end (88').

While Slavia continues to await points, Sabah got off the mark.