Nestory Irankunda has dazzled on his UEFA Champions League debut, providing an assist in Sporting CP’s away win over Lens.
The Australian sensation, who starred at the World Cup and in the Socceroos’ recent friendlies against Brazil, moved to the Portuguese club on a whopping $32.5 million transfer fee in August.
Having cited a desire to play “top level football”, his first taste of UCL action certainly justified the move in a 2-0 Sporting win.
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In the 22nd minute, Irankunda produced a quality left-foot cross to set up a straightforward tap-in from teammate Luis Suarez for a 1-0 lead, to stun the home French fans into silence.
The goal, remarkably, marked the eighth consecutive match Suarez had scored for Sporting.
“That is such a simple chance carved out by Irankunda,” the international broadcast commentator said.
“(Suarez is) absolutely lethal in that sort of situation.”
The assist was the highlight of a measured performance from the 20-year old, who also made four recoveries, created two chances, completed 17 of 24 passes and had 38 touches in total before being substituted off in the 84th minute.
“He’s played well and today he played a great game,” Sporting head coach Rui Borges said.
“He comes from the English second division and wasn’t used to playing in the Champions League.
“I gave him a hug because he was laughing. He’s a ‘clown’ in a good way, he’s always laughing and happy.
“He made the best decision in coming to Sporting and we are very happy with a young player who has a lot of potential.
“I have no doubt that he will have an increasing impact on the team’s decisions.”
Sporting would add a second goal in stellar fashion, with an outstanding team play finished off by Issa Doumbia in the 74th minute to complete the win.
The result temporarily moves the club to the top of the Champions League standings with two wins from two starts and a +4 goal differential, having come from behind to defeat Galatasaray 3-1 in September.
They also boast an unbeaten away run of 11 matches, dating back to March.
Lens could consider themselves unlucky, with a strike from Franjo Ivanovic thumping into the post shortly after Suarez’s opener.