Sporting Lisbon v Everton: David Moyes surprised at side's early exit

26 February 2010 08:04
Holding a 2-1 advantage from the first leg and on the back of a superb victory against Manchester United, they were widely expected to complete the Europa League job in Portugal. [LNB]However, Sporting shrugged off their indifferent form to progress to the last 16 thanks to second-half goals from Miguel Veloso, Pedro Mendes and substitute Matias Fernandez. [LNB] Related ArticlesSporting Lisbon 3 Everton 0; agg 4-2Europa League tablesEuropa League fixturesSport on televisionSteven Pienaar charged with drink drivingEverton 'can keep Rodwell'Everton hardly had a shot on target, a surprising statistic considering they went into the match in a good run of form after only two defeats in 13 matches in all competitions. [LNB]Moyes said: "We never got started. Credit to Sporting, they were the better team and deserved to go through. [LNB]"We felt confident but maybe we made mistakes in the first game which let them in. They took their opportunities. [LNB]"I didn't see this result coming. We didn't play to the levels we have in recent weeks. They worked very hard and ran very hard all night. [LNB]"The idea was to go and get a goal. But we found it difficult. We knew the opening 20 minutes would be tough. But we never made anything happen." [LNB]Everton suffered another injury setback with centre half Phillipe Senderos limping off in the second half. [LNB]He was replaced by Phil Jagielka, making his first appearance since April. [LNB]Moyes said: "We do not think it is too serious regarding Senderos but we are not sure. [LNB]"It was good to have Jagielka back and he will help us towards the end of the season." [LNB]Everton still have an outside chance of making the Europa League, but Moyes added: "We will do our best. It is a long shot at the moment. But will try to do that again."[LNB]Former Rangers midfielder Mendes was thrilled to see his side progress and they will meet Atletico Madrid in the next round. [LNB]"We needed this win," he said. "We wanted to progress in this competition. [LNB]"I think we performed really well in the first leg, we were unlucky with the result. We did what the gaffer asked - patience. [LNB]"We knew we couldn't concede or it would be very tough for us. We've been a little unlucky (recently). [LNB]"It's exactly the same in the league here - we've been struggling for results. We needed this performance today."[LNB]Last-16 draw[LNB]Juventus v FulhamAtlético Madrid v Sporting LisbonValencia v W BremenHamburg v AnderlechtBenfica v MarseilleLille v LiverpoolPanathinaikos v Standard LiegeRubin Kazan v WolfsburgTwo-leg ties to be played March 11 & 18 [LNB][LNB]

Source: Telegraph