The left-back clipped a superb low effort across Schalke goalkeeper Ralf Fahrmann to help keep his team’s hopes of qualifying from Group G alive.
The Portuguese outfit went on to secure a 4-2 victory which leaves them on four points, with Schalke on five and Maribor on three after their draw with leaders Chelsea.
Islam Slimani’s own goal had given Roberto Di Matteo’s team the lead but Naby Sarr equalised before Jefferson’s fine strike.
Nani extended Sporting’s lead and Slimani made up for his earlier misfortune by scoring late on after Dennis Aogo had brought Schalke back within one.
