30 October 2006, by Sean Gillen

Portuguese riding high in the Premiership

Portuguese Abroad weekly round-up

It was a good week for the Premiership based Portuguese contingent. Chelsea goalkeeper Hilario continued his dream story at Stamford Bridge by saving a first-half penalty at Sheffield United, before a side also containing Paulo Ferreira and Ricardo Carvalho completed a 2-0 win at Bramall Lane.

Cristiano Ronaldo made a goalscoring return to the Manchester United side, getting the third in an impressive 4-0 win at Bolton Wanderers, for whom Ricardo Vaz Te remained on the bench. Nuno Valente is still sidelined by injury, but his Everton team-mates managed a surprise 1-1 draw away to Arsenal.

Pedro Mendes got his first goal of the season, but was lucky to avoid a red card, as Portsmouth moved up to fourth with a 3-1 win over Reading. Luis Boa Morte returned to action for London side Fulham after several weeks out with a fractured cheekbone. The 29-year-old came on with 20 minutes to go, but was the only disappointed Portuguese in England as the Cottagers lost 1-0 at home to Wigan.

Derby delight for Figo

Inter beat city rivals Milan 4-3 in a stunning derby match, with Luis Figo a second half substitute. Jose Vidigal watched from the bench as his Livorno side drew 0-0 with Empoli, Jose Semedo did the same for Cagliari’s 1-0 victory over Sampdoria and Ricardo Esteves played the full 90 minutes for Reggina in their respectable 0-0 draw at Lazio.

Pedro Pauleta’s Paris Saint-Germain managed a much-needed 1-0 win at home against Rennes, but the Azorean striker was sent off late on. Tiago played the full 90 minutes for Lyon as the champions moved 11 points clear at the top of Ligue 1 with a 1-0 win over Nancy. Marco Ramos played in the Lens defence as they made it three wins from three for the French-based Portuguese with another 1-0 win at home against Auxerre.

In Spain, Barcelona warmed up for their Champions League tie with Chelsea by cruising past Recreativo, 3-0 at the Nou Camp. Deco was replaced with over 20 minutes left as goals from Ronaldinho (2) and Xavi earned Barca the win. Atletico Madrid suffered a setback, losing 1-0 for the second time in succession to a late goal at home against Zaragoza. Costinha and Maniche again started in midfield for Los Rojiblancos, while Ze Castro was an unused substitute.

Valencia lost ground at the top, slipping down to 5th after Miguel’s men lost 1-0 at Racing Santander. Sevilla move up to 2nd as Duda remained on the bench for their 2-1 win at Celta Vigo, while Jose Nunes’ Mallorca recorded a valuable 1-0 win at Betis.

New Real Sociedad manager Miguel Angel Lotina selected Fabio Felicio for the team’s home match with Villarreal, but the midfielder was withdrawn with an hour gone, before Sociedad lost 1-0 to a late goal.

Werder Bremen stay top of the German Bundesliga after beating Mainz 6-1 away from home, although Hugo Almeida did not get off the bench. Ze Antonio took his place in the Gladbach defence for their 2-0 home defeat to Leverkusen, but there was better news for Alex’s Wolfsburg, who started with the left-back and won 1-0 at Bochum. Fernando Meira is still struggling with an injury, but Stuttgart managed without him to record a superb 3-0 win over Schalke.

Manuel da Costa continues to progress in Holland, starting for PSV in the champions’ 3-0 win at RKC Waalwijk. Hearts are beginning to fall behind leaders Celtic in the Scottish title race. Jose Goncalves returned to the starting line-up and Bruno Aguiar came on as the Jambos drew 1-1 at home with Dunfermline to drift ten points behind Celtic.

Conceicao hits net

In Belgium, Sergio Conceicao scored the first as Standard Liege moved up to fifth with a comfortable 3-0 victory at Beveren. Miguel Areias started the match, while Sa Pinto came on for last season’s runners-up.

Dynamo Moscow beat city rivals Lokomotiv 2-0 at home in the Russian Premier League. Danny played the full 90 minutes while Almani Moreira watched from the bench.

In Greece, Daniel Fernandes’ PAOK Salonika beat Larisa 2-1 away, as they hope to improve on a poor season so far. Roberto Pinto was in the Grasshoppers side as the league leaders lost 2-1 at home to Basel.

Star Performer

Hilario

With his side enduring a tough first half at Bramall Lane against Sheffield United, Hilario’s crucial penalty save with the score at 0-0 was perhaps the defining moment in Chelsea’s win.

Earlier round-ups:
26/10/06 Star Performer - Hilario
23/10/06 Star Performer - Manuel da Costa
16/10/06 Star Performer - Tiago
02/10/06 Star Performer - Cristiano Ronaldo
25/09/06 Star Performer - Cristiano Ronaldo
18/09/06 Star Performer - Sergio Conceicao
11/09/06 Star Performer - Ricardo Carvalho
28/08/06 Star Performer - Figo
21/08/06 Star Performer - Deco