Sporting Lisbon kept on course to reach the UEFA Cup final on their home ground after a 2-1 victory against AZ Alkmaar in the first leg of their semi-final at the Jose Alvalade Stadium.The Portuguese team, who accounted for Middlesbrough before beating Newcastle in the quarter-finals, took a lead into the second leg thanks to a spectacular 25-yard strike from Chile international Mauricio Pinilla 10 minutes from time.AZ, who beat Rangers in the group stage earlier this season, grabbed the lead as star midfielder Denny Landzaat scored what could prove to be a vital away goal in the 36th minute, firing a first-time shot past Ricardo.
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