Bayer Leverkusen beat 10-man Sporting Lisbon 1-0 in the first leg of their Europa League last-32 clash away in Portugal.

The Germans, who had failed to qualify from the Champions League group stages, took the lead on 26 minutes when Karim Bellarabi swept the ball in at the back post following a deep right wing cross from Tin Jedvaj.

Sporting's task of getting back into the match was made harder on 74 minutes when defender Ruben Semedo collected a second caution for a foul on Bellarabi and was sent off.

Lions goalkeeper Rui Patricio denied Admir Mehmedi before Bellarabi hit the woodwork late on.