It wasn't pretty, but Sporting got a vital win under their belts to keep alive their hopes of making a run for 3rd place and Champions League football next season.
New coach Sá Pinto started his tenure with a positive 2-2 draw away at Legia Warsaw on Thursday, and the three points earned against Paços de Ferreira should go some way to boosting the Lisbon club's brittle confidence.
As on Thursday, the result was far better than the performance. It needed a Ricardo own goal shortly before half time to separate the sides.
Ricky van Wolfswinkel missed the chance to make the game safe for Sporting when he hit a poor penalty in the second half that was easily saved.
Indeed, it needed some fine goalkeeping from Portugal number one Rui Patrício to conserve Sporting's lead.
As on Thursday, the result was far better than the performance. It needed a Ricardo own goal shortly before half time to separate the sides.
Ricky van Wolfswinkel missed the chance to make the game safe for Sporting when he hit a poor penalty in the second half that was easily saved.
Indeed, it needed some fine goalkeeping from Portugal number one Rui Patrício to conserve Sporting's lead.
