Sporting Lisbon leave it late against mulish Arouca

Sporting Lisbon have left western Portugal with a 1-0 win after overcoming a stubborn Arouca side, thanks to a last-gasp Islam Slimani goal.

Time was running out for Sporting, who had found themselves down to 10 men, but Slimani took advantage of a rebounded Fredy Montero shot to blast the ball into the net.

The match started slowly and it took over 20 minutes for the first shot on target, a weak effort by Joao Mario that was easily saved by Rafael Bracalli.

Slimani then came close to getting on the end of a Teofilo Gutierrez cross, before Paulo Oliveira saw a header saved off the line.

Arouca had their best chance deep into the second half after a counter-attack caught Lisbon napping, but the resultant shot could only graze the bar.

Lisbon defender Naldo was sent off for pushing Arouca manager Lito Vidigal with just two minutes remaining, before Slimani broke visiting hearts with what was virtually the last kick of the match.

Sporting increase their lead at the top of the Primeira Liga to five points, while Arouca settle in 10th.