Team news

Carrico confident of Sporting progress Sporting Lisbon defender Daniel Carrico believes their side take confidence into their Europa League clash against Legia Warsaw.

The Leos welcome Legia to Estadio Jose Alvalade for the second leg of their last-32 encounter after being held to a 2-2 draw in Poland last week.

Sporting's European exertions are proving a pleasant distraction from their struggles in the Liga, where they lie fourth with 13 points separating them and leaders Benfica.

Such performances saw Ricardo Sa Pinto named Sporting coach less than two weeks ago and defender Carrico believes Sunday's 1-0 defeat of Pacos de Ferreira - Sa Pinto's first win in charge - will help them against Legia.

"All that matters is that it was a goal that got a win that gives us confidence," he told the club's official website, www.sporting.pt.

"We are working with a new coach now and we still have a lot of things to learn with him. With a bit of patience we will do that." Sporting's fans have not been slow to voice their displeasure at times this season.

Carrico said: "It is completely normal in football [to be booed when you are not performing].

"This is a sport that is about winning and when that doesn't happen people boo.

"When we win a second or third game on the run, it will stop.

"This win will give the lads confidence for the Europa League game in the week." Sporting boss Sa Pinto echoed the defender's sentiments, adding: "The fans are saddened by the situation, wanted a stable team, with other results. It's understandable.

"The circumstances are such but we must have patience and to unite in support of the club.

"Only with great spirit of unity that can restore confidence to return to play the way that these players have played.

"It's a huge thrill for me and a great responsibility to train my team.

"I want to do better, return to Sporting self-esteem and confidence." While buoyed by the Sunday's victory, Oguchi Onyewu and Fito Rinaudo both picked up injuries in the match.

United States international Onyewu is out of action for eight weeks with a knee problem, while Rinaduo picked up a sprained ankle that will keep him out for 10 days.

Meanwhile, the match will be the last time Maciej Rybus and Marcin Komorowski will appear for Legia.

Sporting vs Legia Warsaw

Last modified 22:32 23/02/12

Sporting set up City clash Matias Fernandez's late free-kick ensured Sporting Lisbon claimed a 1-0 win on the night and a 3-2 aggregate success to progress to the last 16 of the Europa League at the expense of Legia Warsaw.

The Portuguese team were heading through on the away goal rule after a 2-2 draw in the first leg in Poland last week, but Fernandez bagged the only goal of the second leg at the Estadio Jose Alvalade to make sure of the result.

The victory earned Ricardo Sa Pinto's side a last-16 date with Premier League leaders Manchester City.

Chances were at a premium in the first half with both sides struggling to create openings.

Fernandez saw his fierce 20-yard free-kick parried by Legia goalkeeper Dusan Kuciak in the 11th minute after Michal Zewlakow had been penalised for handball.

Three minutes later Danijel Ljuboja headed just wide in what proved to be the visitors' best opportunity of the first period.

Kuciak had to be on his toes in the early stages of the second half, tipping over Emiliano Insua's dangerous cross and then punching away an inswinging corner from Fernandez as Sporting pushed for the breakthrough.

Sporting goalkeeper Rui Patricio comfortably saved a left-footed Danijel Ljuboja blast in the 58th minute as Legia too searched for the crucial away goal.

Marcin Komorowski was next to go close for the visitors, heading over the bar from Ivica Vrdoljak's corner midway through the second half, with Rui Patricio then punching away Vrdoljak's free-kick.

There was no way through for Legia, though, and Fernandez made their task significantly more difficult when he put Sporting ahead on the night six minutes from time.

Artur Jedrzejczyk's foul on Diego Capel gave the hosts a free-kick 20 yards out on the left and Fernandez whipped it into the bottom-right corner.

It could have got even better for Sporting two minutes later when Daniel Carrico's free-kick teed up Insua, but he lashed his left-footed effort over the bar.