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Everton's Sylvain Distin (right) challenges Sporting Lisbon's Liedson during their Europa League Third Round First Leg match at Goodison Park in Liverpool.

Everton manager David Moyes admitted his side's Europa League hopes are in the balance after they conceded a crucial late goal in their 2-1 win over Sporting Lisbon at Goodison Park.

Moyes' men were cruising towards the last 16 after strikes from South Africa midfielder Steven Pienaar and French defender Sylvain Distin put them two goals ahead just after half-time in Tuesday's last 32 first leg.

But Distin was sent off in the closing moments for a foul on Liedson that led to a penalty calmly converted by Sporting midfielder Miguel Veloso.

That put the Portuguese club firmly back in the tie going into the second leg in Portugal next Thursday.

Moyes said: "The perspective of the game changed. I thought we were more liable to win 3-0 than 2-1. We looked as though we were trying to conserve our energy rather than going for another goal.

"Sylvain had a difficult pass to deal with but we should never have put ourselves in that position. We should have been looking to get forward.

"We did enough to be 2-0 in front and I did not see a goal coming. But it was not to be. It keeps the game alive. That's football.

"We are disappointed we have not seen the job through, which we should have done. We gave Sporting an opportunity when it looked as though they might not have one."

To add to Moyes' frustration, he had heard earlier in the day that Belgian midfielder Marouane Fellaini needs ankle surgery that will keep him out until the start of next season.

Moyes said: "Fellaini is not good. He could be out for six months. We will not be sure until the operation takes place.

"He has played really well this season and been part of the reason behind our improvement. He has been a big miss to us already."

Pienaar made the breakthrough in the 35th minute with a fine finish after being set up by Australia midfielder Tim Cahill, who went off with a calf injury in the second half.

Distin extended Everton's lead in the 49th minute after goalkeeper Rui Patricio flapped at Leighton Baines' corner but Veloso turned the tie around in the 87th minute.

Sporting coach Carlos Carvalhal said: "Hopefully we can complete the job with the help of our marvellous supporters.

"I wish the game had gone on longer as we were making it difficult for Everton. Some of our football was almost perfect.

"I did not think we deserved to be behind at half -time and I have to dispute their second goal as there was a handball."