27 February 2006, by Sean Gillen

Portuguese Abroad round-up

Rampant Ronaldo lifts more silverware

It was a great weekend for Cristiano Ronaldo, with the youngster playing a starring role in Manchester United’s Carling Cup win. The Portuguese wing wizard hit the third of United’s four goals in the 4-0 victory.

Elsewhere in England, Paulo Ferreira and Pedro Mendes faced off as Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea bounced back with a win over Portsmouth. Two more Portuguese were on opposing sides as Luis Boa Morte’s Fulham lost 2-1 at Bolton, for whom Ricardo Vaz Te made a late appearance. Nuno Valente was on the losing side as Everton were beaten 2-0 at Newcastle.

In Serie A, Luis Figo was withdrawn at half-time as Inter beat Udinese 3-1; Jose Vidigal played the full game for the visitors. Rui Costa played the last five minutes of Milan’s 2-0 win at Palermo and Fernando Couto’s Parma were beaten 4-2 at home by Fiorentina.

In France, Pauleta was involved as PSG drew at Nantes while Lyon substituted midfielder Tiago at half-time as they suffered a shock 4-1 home defeat to Rennes.

Postiga pounces

A Bordeaux defence containing Beto drew 3-3 with Metz but there was better news for striker Helder Postiga (pictured). The former Porto man scored the only goal of the game as St Ettiene beat Le Mans.

Mixed fortunes in Spain as Deco’s Barcelona beat Zaragoza and Jorge Andrade’s Deportivo won at Osasuna but there was disappointment for Miguel as his title chasing Valencia side could only manage a draw against Getafe. Hugo Viana also played most of the game for Valencia, replacing Ruben Baraja in the 24th minute.

Malaga malaise

Malaga’s Portuguese contingent suffered a nightmare evening as they were thrashed 5-0 by Atletico Madrid, with Litos starting in defence, Duda getting sent-off and Edgar substituted late on.

In Germany, Fernando Meira played for Stuttgart as they recorded an impressive 2-0 win at Hamburg and Ricardo Sousa was an unused substitute for Hannover as he continues his recovery from injury.

A Standard Liege side containing Jorge Costa drew 1-1 at Club Brugge in the Belgium Jupiter League. Moreira was a late sub for 2nd-placed Standard, who are two points behind leaders Anderlecht.

Star Performer

Cristiano Ronaldo

After a bad week for Manchester United and their supporters, Ronaldo lit up the Cup final, scoring one and helping create another as United won their first trophy in two years.

Earlier round-ups:
20/02/06 Star Performer - Miguel