It took a fine block from Yobo to thwart Izmailov and when Diniyar Bilyaletdinov inexplicably gave him the ball back, the Russia international failed to hit the target.

Louis Saha had been handed a pre-match boost with the news that he had been called up to the France squad for the first time in over three years for next week’s friendly against Spain.

It was reward for his impressive club form but a woeful lack of service last night meant he rarely looked like adding to his 15 goals so far this season.

In the opening 45 minutes Everton showed little attacking threat with home keeper Rui Patricio largely a spectator.

The visitors did break off the shackles to find the net just before the break but an offside flag curtailed Senderos’ celebrations after he had turned in Leighton Baines’ cross.

In truth Everton were simply relieved to get to the break unscathed after a grim rearguard effort.

However, Sporting’s firm stranglehold on proceedings remained in the second half. Djalo went close from long range and then Liedson’s acrobatic flick from Veloso’s cross flew narrowly over.

Seven minutes after the interval Senderos, who had been suffering from a back injury, limped off and Jagielka made his long awaited comeback.

It was the first time the England international had kicked a ball competitively since last April after his planned outing in the reserves earlier this week was postponed.

Despite his lack of match fitness, it was like the centre-back had never been away as he was soon in the thick of it, helping to repel Sporting’s increasingly frequent advances.

Howard saved with his legs to deny Moutinho and tipped over Abel’s cross-shot soon after but in the 64th minute the deadlock was broken.

Skipper Neville was left forlornly appealing for offside as Veloso burst into the box and lashed a low shot past Howard.

Infuriatingly, it came just seconds after Steven Pienaar had almost secured a priceless away goal with a curling effort which dropped just wide of the upright.

Now it was Everton who needed to attack and Moyes responded by introducing Yakubu for Landon Donovan.

Saha had a golden chance to restore parity but he was thwarted by Patricio and before Everton could build up a head of steam Sporting struck again.

Izmailov teed up former Rangers defender Mendes whose shot deflected off substitute Jack Rodwell and flew into the bottom corner.

Everton had 14 minutes to find the goal which would have forced extra-time but they never looked like getting it.

Sporting held on comfortably and then in stoppage time they broke away for Fernandez to complete another miserable night for Everton on the banks of the River Tagus.