Real Madrid's forward Alvaro Morata (L) celebrates after scoring past Sporting's goalkeeper Rui Patricio (R) during the UEFA Champions League football match Real Madrid CF vs Sporting CP at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on Wednesday (Photo: AFP)
Late strikes from Cristiano Ronaldo and Alvaro Morata gave Real Madrid a last-gasp 2-1 win over Sporting Lisbon as the European champions came from behind to win the first game of their Champions League defence.
Ronaldo denied his Portuguese boyhood club a famous win by scoring an equaliser from a free-kick in the 89th minute just when it seemed Madrid could, sensationally, lose their opening game in Group F.
Morata then headed home deep in injury time to complete the fightback.
Brazilian Bruno Cesar had earlier given the visitors a surprise yet deserved lead in the 47th minute as he pounced on indecision in the Real back line.
Real took their time to respond to going behind with Ronaldo missing a gilt-edged chance to level when he struck the near post from a couple of yards out.
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