6 March 2006, by Sean Gillen

Portuguese Abroad round-up

Conceição boosts Standard Liege’s title challenge

The most notable news from this weekend was an injury to Deportivo’s Jorge Andrade, who will miss the World Cup after being carried off after scoring in the defeat at Deco’s Barcelona.

Miguel played for Valencia as they lost more ground on leaders Barca by drawing 0-0 at Malaga, who included Edgar in their starting line-up.

In Belgium, Sergio Conceição scored the first goal as Standard Liege beat Germinal 3-1 to keep up with Anderlecht at the top of the Jupiter League. Jorge Costa also started the game for Standard.

Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea, including Paulo Ferreira, beat WBA 2-1 in the Premiership. Luis Boa Morte’s Fulham went down 4-0 at home to Arsenal, Nuno Valente’s Everton were held 2-2 at West Ham and Ricardo Vaz Te came on as a 75th minute substitute as Bolton lost 3-1 to Newcastle.

To round off a largely unsuccessful week for the Portuguese in England, Pedro Mendes’ Portsmouth edged further towards relegation with a 1-0 defeat at Aston Villa. Cristiano Ronaldo’s Manchester United travel to Wigan on Monday night.

Figo saves Inter

In Serie A, Luis Figo made a decisive impact as a substitute for Inter as they snatched a late draw at Roma. Fernando Couto played the full game as Parma recorded a valuable 1-0 win at Messina but Jose Vidigal was subbed at half time as Udinese drew with Ascoli. Rui Costa was awarded a rare start but his substitution at 0-0 was followed by Milan scoring three late goals to beat Empoli.

In France, Pauleta and José Delfim played in the controversial draw between PSG and Marseille. Helder Postiga was subbed for St Etienne before his replacement, Sebastien Mazure, scored the only goal against Nantes.

In Germany, Ricardo Sousa continued his comeback from injury with a late appearance as Hannover were beaten at home by Schalke. Fernando Meira’s Stuttgart did not play this weekend, as bad weather cancelled their game against Kaiserslautern.

Star Performer

Sérgio Conceição

The former Porto winger provided another reminder of his capabilities as he scored the first goal to set Standard on their way to a 3-1 win as they keep in the hunt for their first title in 23 years.

Earlier round-ups:
20/02/06 Star Performer - Miguel
27/02/06 Star Performer - Cristiano Ronaldo