Sporting were at the wrong end of another trademark Real Madrid comeback win at the Santiago Bernabeu. The hosts struggled for most of the match, as the Portuguese exerted control over midfield and took the lead through the impressive Bruno Cesar. However, in a classic final push by Los Blancos, two goals in the final six minutes left the visitors empty handed, falling 2-1.

Real Madrid 2

Sporting CP 1

Positives

After Zinedine Zidane decided to use his bench in the 58th minute, the team showed mobility and hunger, and took advantage of a tiring Sporting, not giving up despite the lack of clear chances. The French manager has plenty of options to change the flow of a match at his disposal.

Negatives

For long stretches of the match, Real Madrid's midfield looked overwhelmed by Sporting's 4-1-4-1 formation and their impressive stamina. In these matches, Zidane's 4-3-3 works as long as the front three make an effort to track back, and all three of Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema are still far away from their top form.

Manager rating out of 10

5 -- It took Zidane almost an hour to make adjustments, when Benzema's poor shape and Sporting's superiority in midfield had been obvious for most of the first half. Once he did, his decisions changed the team's play immediately.

Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)

GK Kiko Casilla, 6 -- Helpless on Cesar's well-taken goal, he was quick with his feet and confident with long-range efforts, but a bit hesitant in high crosses.

DF Dani Carvajal, 8 -- Fast, determined and in shape, at some point in the second half he became Madrid's more active attacking option. One of the most inspired players this season.

DF Raphael Varane, 7 -- Concentrated and alert, and except for a couple of positional misunderstandings with Sergio Ramos, his comeback to the starting lineup was as good as any Real fan could expect. 

DF Sergio Ramos, 6 -- A couple of misplaced passes got his team into trouble, but he reacted well. Unlucky but a bit soft in Sporting's goal, but looks progressively more in shape.

DF Marcelo, 6 -- Tormented by the impossibly fast Gelson Martins for most of the first half, Marcelo tried to get the team going in the second, pushing forward as often as possible. Two fancy dribbles that ended up in turnovers when the team trailed did not please the Bernabeu faithful.

Alvaro Morata's injury-time winner secured Real Madrid all three points vs. a stubborn Sporting side.

MF Luka Modric, 6 -- Not his most memorable night. The Croatian showed his passing and mobility on a few occasions, but was overwhelmed by William Carvalho & Co. and could not find the front three in advantageous situations for most of the match.

MF Casemiro, 7 -- Flirted with a yellow card a few times in the very early stages of the match. During the first half, his battle with a Sporting midfield that swarmed him when he got the ball became one of the most interesting plots. In the second half, Casemiro looked more composed.

MF Toni Kroos, 6 -- Played closer to the opposition's goal, especially in the first half. His long-range passing was outstanding, but the way the German and his midfield colleagues struggled against Sporting's press gives some reason for concern.

FW Gareth Bale, 7 -- The Welshman is now Real Madrid's most threatening starter in terms of creating advantageous situations. He appeared on the left, the right and the middle, and was Zidane's only weapon until he got a hard knock at the end of the first half. After that, he seldom appeared again until he was subbed.

FW Karim Benzema, 3 -- Wasteful in possession, disconnected from the rest of the team and obviously a tad bit slower than usual, this was not a good outing for the Frenchman. 

FW Cristiano Ronaldo, 8 -- With scarce service from his teammates and still far from his top form, he had to find solace in set pieces. And he did so in splendid manner, scoring the equaliser two minutes from time after a foul he bought in an apparently harmless play. He did not celebrate his stunning strike against the team that saw him become a professional player.

Substitutes

FW Lucas Vazquez, 8 -- Replaced Bale after 59 minutes. As long as there's one member of the BBC not in full shape, as is the case right now, Vazquez should start. The team immediately looked faster, more mobile, more threatening after he joined.

FW Alvaro Morata, 8 -- Replaced Benzema after 60 minutes. His winning header will surely increase his confidence. Was an annoyance for Sporting's defence.

MF James Rodriguez, NR -- Replaced Kroos after 76 minutes. Played with intent and inspiration. His cross to Morata for the winner was simply perfect.

Eduardo is one of ESPN FC's Real Madrid bloggers and has been a socio since 1995. Follow him on Twitter @alvarez.