Manchester City have been beaten 1-0 by Sporting Lisbon in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie in Portugal.
City were dealt an early blow when captain Vincent Kompany was forced off in the opening minutes with what looked like a calf strain.
Gareth Barry came close to open the scoring for the visitors, but his curled effort went the wrong side of the post.
Meanwhile, Lisbon's shooting was proving wayward as Matias Fernandez's drive flew wide after a good passing move.
Sergio Aguero nearly gave Roberto Mancini's side a half-time lead, but his header from Edin Dzeko's flick went straight at the goalkeeper.
Lisbon made the breakthrough early in the second half as Xandau moved up from defence to put a clever backheeled finish past Joe Hart following Fernandez's free kick.
The Portuguese side could have been 2-0 to the good soon after, but Ricky van Wolfswinkel could only hit a tame shot at Hart after he was picked out by Emiliano Insua.
City almost snatched an away goal in the final 10 minutes when substitute Mario Balotelli's header rattled the crossbar from David Silva's corner.
The Blues host Sporting in the return leg on Thursday, March 15.
Jack Prescott
