Sporting keeps hope in CL: "Must also reach this level against Ajax and Dortmund"

Sporting CP can still hope for a winter in the Champions League.

The Portuguese defeated Besiktas on Tuesday with large numbers (1-4) and are therefore not without a chance in the group with Ajax for a place in the knockout phase.

"It was only after Paulinho's goal (the 1-4 in the 89th minute, red) that I was sure that we would win. Besiktas is a team with many quality players and they have the support of the supporters," said Sporting coach. Rúben Amorim after the match against Besiktas.

"We also missed opportunities. This result offers hope that everything is still possible for us, but we must also reach this level in the matches against Ajax and Borussia Dortmund."

Sebastián Coates was the big man at Sporting.

The captain scored twice in Turkey.

Besides Coates and Paulinho, Pablo Sarabia (penalty) was also accurate for the formation from Lisbon.

"This win gives us a lot of confidence for the next games. It was a difficult game, but we came here for the win and we dragged it in," said Coates.

For Sporting, the group stage of the Champions League continues on Wednesday 3 November with a home match against Besiktas.

The Portuguese will receive a visit from Dortmund in the next round and will close the group stage on December 7 in Amsterdam against Ajax.

Standings in CL group C

• 1. Ajax 3-9 (11-1)

• 2. Borussia Dortmund 3-6 (3-5)

• 3. Sporting CP 3-3 (5-7)

• 4. Besiktas 3-0 (2-8)

See also: View Tuesday's Champions League summaries