Los Merengues were outplayed for large parts but Cristiano Ronaldo and Alvaro Morata's late goals cruelly denied the Portuguese side to earn the points
Goals in the final two minutes from Alvaro Morata and Cristiano Ronaldo saved Real Madrid from a first Champions League home defeat in five years as a stunning late fight back secured a 2-1 win over Sporting Lisbon.
The Portuguese side looked set to spring a huge surprise when Bruno Cesar's gave them a deserved lead two minutes into the second-half.
Gareth Bale was hooked by Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane in the search for an equaliser and the Frenchman was vindicated in a frantic finale.
Firstly, Ronaldo's free-kick had too much power for Portuguese international teammate Rui Patricio to get Madrid back on level terms.
Then with the last attack of the game James Rodriguez's cross was bulleted home by Morata to spark wild scenes of celebration at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Here are five things we learned from the Santiago Bernabeu:
1. Sporting can play spoiler to Dortmund, Madrid
When the groups were drawn three weeks ago, few saw Sporting and particularly Legia Warsaw as more than cannon fodder with Madrid and Borussia Dortmund battling it out for top spot in the group.
Yet, despite the heartbreak of defeat, in dominating the game for large spells, Sporting showed they have the quality to transform Group F into a fascinating three-way battle to reach the last 16.
2. Bale suffering post-Euros dip
The Welshman looked to have picked up where he left off from his sensational form in the second-half of last season and at Euro 2016 by scoring twice in Madrid's opening day 3-0 win at Real Sociedad.
Yet, in failing to shine in the three games since, Bale appears to be feeling the after-effects of playing through the summer for the first time in his career.
It was telling that with Madrid badly in need of some inspiration and goals, Bale was sacrificed with 23 minutes remaining for Zidane's favoured impact sub Lucas Vazquez.
3. Ronaldo may be more loved in Lisbon than Madrid
Ronaldo's status as national hero in Portugal was never in doubt, but delivering his country's first ever major international trophy has only embellished his legendary status.
The three-time World Player of the Year came through the Sporting academy before impressing so much in a friendly against Manchester United in 2003 he was swiftly snapped up by Sir Alex Ferguson and then completed a world record move to Madrid in 2009.
Ronaldo stressed in the build-up to the game Sporting remains in his heart and the feeling is clearly mutual as the travelling support gave him a more rousing reception than the Madrid fans.
Just as in scoring the winner for United against Sporting nine years ago, Ronaldo held up in his hands apologetically after scoring.
4. Carvalho class shines through
Amidst a common summer firesale at the Jose Alvalade that saw Joao Mario head to Inter Milan for 45 million euros and Leicester snap up Islam Slimani, the man longest rumoured with a move away from the Portuguese capital, William Carvalho, stayed put despite his starring role in Portugal's Euro 2016 success.
Long-time Arsenal target Carvalho once again showed it is surely a matter of time before the Premier League millions come calling with an offer Sporting can't refuse.
Primarily deployed as a midfield destroyer, Carvalho kept Luka Modric and Toni Kroos quiet, but was also tidy in possession and showed an impressive burst of speed to evade Bale at one point in the first-half.
5. Zidane makes the right changes again
Zidane ensured Madrid's bid to become the first side to retain the Champions League didn't get off to the worst possible start with his ballsy changes after the break.
As well as Bale, Karim Benzema and Kroos were also sacrificed for Morata and James and the latter two combined to great effect for the winning goal.
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