LISBON (Reuters) - Barcelona laboured to a second successive Champions League victory after Sebastian Coates' own goal gave them an unconvincing 1-0 Group D win over Sporting on Wednesday. After a frustrating first half, Barcelona scored in fortunate circumstances when Coates bundled into his own net under pressure from Luis Suarez in the 49th minute. Suarez wasted a simple chance in the 18th minute when he side-footed wide after Jordi Alba had been set free by a sublime Messi pass. The second half was only four minutes old when Coates converted beyond Patricio and, though Barcelona controlled possession thereafter, it was Sporting who created the best opportunities. Barcelona are top of group D with six points, three clear of Sporting and last season's finalists Juventus who beat Olympiakos 2-0.

Source: The Star September 27, 2017 21:06 UTC