David Pizarro stole a late deflected equaliser to put Roma back on course for a place in the knockout stages of the Champions League - and hand Manchester United confirmation of their spot.
The Italian side looked to be slipping to a 2-1 loss at the Jose Alvalade Stadium but Pizarro's long-range strike had a big helping hand on the way through to ensure a draw in the closing seconds.
Marco Cassetti gave the Italians the advantage after only three minutes with a right-footed strike from the edge of the penalty area.
But Da Silva Liedson was nearly the match-winner for the home side, levelling the scores after 23 minutes before converting a Marat Izmailov corner to give Sporting the lead.
The late equaliser was also helpful for United who were sent into the next stage by the result.
Former Sheffield United striker Colin Kazim-Richards was on the scoresheet as Fenerbahce saw off Dutch side PSV Eindhoven 2-0 in Istanbul to press home their chances of finishing in Group G's top two.
The Turkey striker, who also played for Brighton and Bury during his time in England, hit the target with a long-range drive after half-an-hour as the hosts bagged two goals inside a minute.
Semih Senturk hit the second just seconds later after some fine build-up play from De Souza Alex, who also had a hand in Kazim-Richards' strike.
Italian leaders Inter Milan completed a remarkable comeback to win 4-2 against CSKA Moscow on home turf.
Goals from Joao Jo and Vagner Love put the Serie A side two goals behind before they scored twice in a minute - through Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Esteban Cambiasso - to send the sides in to the break level.
Both players found the net again as Inter cruised home in the second period.
In Group H, where Arsenal have been the dominant force, Sevilla needed an unanswered brace from Dirnei Renato to secure an away win against Steaua Bucharest.
Renato pounced after 25 minutes to establish the lead for a side which new Spurs boss Juande Ramos recently swapped for White Hart Lane and later grabbed a second to put the result beyond doubt.
Lyon, coached by former Portsmouth boss Alain Perrin, struck twice in the opening 15 minutes against Group E opponents Stuttgart but were not given an easy ride by the Germans.
They eventually won 4-2, with Hatem Ben Arfa, Kim Kallstrom and Juninho on the scoresheet for the hosts and a double from Mario Gomez running them close.
