SOCCER: PSG falter as Suarez leads Sporting to victory

LISBON — Holders Paris Saint-Germain suffered a 2–1 defeat against Portuguese side Sporting on Tuesday, putting their hopes of qualifying directly for the Champions League Round of 16 in jeopardy. Luis Suárez struck twice, scoring the winning goal in the final minute.

Sporting took the lead in the second half against the run of play, as Suárez capitalized on the opportunity despite sustained pressure from PSG.

The French champions responded quickly when Khvicha Kvaratskhelia leveled the score with a superb strike, giving PSG hope of salvaging a point.

However, Suárez struck again in the dying moments, securing a dramatic victory for Sporting. Both teams now sit on 13 points and remain inside the top eight, which guarantees direct qualification for the Round of 16. PSG will face Newcastle United at home next, while Sporting will travel to Athletic Bilbao.

Both teams are one point ahead of ninth-placed Inter Milan.

Writing by Julien Pretot in Paris; Editing by Toby Davis/Reuters