12 January 2006, by Tom Kundert

Portuguese goal fest all around Europe

Rui Costa, Postiga, Tiago and Miguel all hit the net

In a remarkable night for Portuguese players plying their trade abroad, Rui Costa, Tiago, Hélder Postiga and Miguel all scored decisive goals to guide their respective clubs to victory in Italy, France and Spain.

Rui Costa played a match to remember as AC Milan beat Brescia 4-3 to progress to the quarter-finals of the Italian Cup. The veteran Portuguese showed exactly why AC Milan extended his contract for a further two years last summer.

Costa was given a rare start by Ancelloti, and the former Portugal international repaid his coach by setting up two goals and scoring the other two, to show he still has a lot to offer the Italian outfit.

Postiga off the mark

In France Hélder Postiga opened his account for St Etienne, scoring the only goal in a 1-0 victory at Metz. The win moves St Etienne up to seventh, but just three points behind second-placed Bordeaux.

Runaway leaders Lyon picked up yet another win, this time against bitter rivals Marseille, and Tiago again played a key role in the triumph. After the champions fell behind, Tiago scored an excellent equaliser before Govou wrapped up victory with a late winner.

Lyon are a massive 14 points ahead of their nearest pursuers and are surely destined to collect their sixth successive championship. “I’ve been thinking about winning the championship since I arrived at Lyon and we’re getting closer and closer. I’m here to win,” said Tiago.

In Spain a 58th-minute strike from Miguel was enough for Valencia to beat neighbours Villarreal and progress to the quarter-finals of the Spanish Cup. Team mate Hugo Viana also lined up alongside the Portugal right-back.