Sporting CP and Galatasaray level at half-time after early own goal in UEFA Champions League

Sporting CP and Galatasaray are level at 1-1 at half-time in their UEFA Champions League league-phase meeting at Estadio Jose Alvalade.

Galatasaray made the faster start and took the lead after just six minutes when Goncalo Inacio turned the ball into his own net. The unfortunate intervention gave the Turkish side an early advantage and put Sporting CP on the back foot in the opening stages.

The hosts responded before the interval, however, with Geny Catamo restoring parity in the 27th minute. His goal brought Sporting CP back into the contest and ensured the two teams went into the dressing rooms level after an open first half.

The match remains finely balanced after 45 minutes, with neither side able to establish control for a sustained period. Galatasaray’s early pressure produced the opening goal, but Sporting CP’s reply ensured the visitors’ advantage lasted only 21 minutes.

Sporting CP will now look to make their home advantage count after the restart and attempt to move in front for the first time. Galatasaray, meanwhile, will be encouraged by the way they began the match and will seek to regain the lead following their strong opening.

The result is still entirely unresolved as the teams prepare for the second half of this first league-phase fixture.