Wolverhampton Wanderers youngster Ruben Vinagre was in Champions League action last night.
The full-back started for Sporting CP against Ajax. He’s appeared twice before for Olympiacos in the competition, but this was his first time playing from the off.
Sporting are back in club football’s most prestigious competition after storming to the Portuguese league title last term.
So plenty of eyes were on them last night to see how they’d get on.
It was definitely a night to forget for Ruben Amorim’s side, with Dutch champions Ajax running out 5-1 winners in Lisbon.
Four of the goals came from former West Ham United striker Sebastien Haller.
Unfortunately, it wasn’t such a good night for Vinagre.
He’s actually been quite good for Sporting domestically so far, but last night he struggled.
The 22-year-old had pushed up too far on the first goal, leaving acres of space for Ajax down the right.
The second goal was a long punt from the goalkeeper which sailed over Vinagre’s head for winger Antony to run onto. He squared for Haller to easily score his second.
Sporting then pulled one back, but Ajax then restored their two-goal lead.
Out wide, the lively Antony sent a pass inside after easily evading a challenge from Vinagre. Steven Berghuis then finished after a nice turn from Ryan Gravenberch.
At half-time, Amorim decided to replace Vinagre after his tough outing.
One to forget for Vinagre
Vinagre will no doubt be keen to put this performance behind him.
Antony really gave him a torrid time, and hopefully the Portuguese defender can bounce back.
Vinagre has previously been questioned on his defending.
Perhaps he still has a little work to do on that side of his game.