Dutchmen Stijn Schaars and Ricky van Wolfswinkel have been fundamental in putting Sporting back in contention for the Portuguese league and bringing a smile back to the Alvalade faithful.
Italian giants Lazio were fortunate to escape with a draw against Romanian side Vaslui in their opening UEFA Europa League clash while Celtic were beaten and Sporting Lisbon, PSV and Besiktas picked up wins.
Sporting Lisbon have signed Stijn Schaars from AZ Alkmaar for €850,000, agreeing a three-year deal with the Dutch midfielder.
Ron Vlaar, Erik Pieters, Vurnon Anita, Jeremain Lens, Theo Janssen and Hedwiges Maduro have made the Netherlands squad for their opening UEFA EURO 2012 qualifiers, while a trio have been dropped.
