13 March 2006, by Sean Gillen

Portuguese Abroad round-up

Mendes magic boosts Portsmouth

It was an excellent week for the English based Portuguese contingent, with José Mourinho using Paulo Ferreira and Maniche in Chelsea’s win over Tottenham, and Cristiano Ronaldo starting in Manchester United’s impressive win over Newcastle.

Pedro Mendes was the hero for Portsmouth as he scored twice to give his side a 2-1 victory over Manchester City, the winner coming in the last minute. Ricardo Vaz Te impressed on a rare start for Bolton in their 4-1 win over West Ham. Luis Boa Morte was the only disappointed Portuguese as his Fulham side went down 3-1 at Nuno Valente’s Everton.

In France, Tiago was present as Lyon continued their march towards their 5th consecutive title by beating Metz 4-0. Helder Postiga was off-target for St Etienne as they went down at Marseille and fellow striker Pauleta’s goal drought continued in PSG’s 1-1 draw at Nancy.

Veteran Couto still going strong

Fernando Couto played for Parma in another victory, 2-1 at home to Livorno, and Luís Figo played a major role as Inter overcame Sampdoria. Rui Costa was left on the bench as Milan were held by Juventus and José Vidigal was withdrawn on the hour mark as Udinese lost 2-0 at Palermo.

It was a bad week for the La Liga Portuguese. After Miguel’s Valencia failed to beat Real Madrid, Deco’s Barcelona were beaten 2-1 at Osasuna. Edgar was withdrawn at half-time, Duda brought on and Litos left on the bench as bottom-placed Malaga recorded a valuable 1-1 draw at Real Betis.

Neither Fernando Meira (Stuttgart) or Ricardo Sousa (Hanover) featured in the Bundesliga this weekend as their sides both drew 0-0.

Standard Liege had the chance to take top spot in Belgium after leaders Anderlecht lost. However, a side containing Jorge Costa and Sergio Conceição could only manage a 0-0 draw at Lokeren, and remain one point behind in second.

Star Performer

Pedro Mendes

Portsmouth’s January signing was the hero for the relegation battlers, scoring two excellent long-range goals in a 2-1 victory over Manchester City. Mendes scored the winner in the last minute to give Portsmouth three precious points and resurrect their hopes of beating the drop.

Earlier round-ups:
20/02/06 Star Performer - Miguel
27/02/06 Star Performer - Cristiano Ronaldo
06/03/06 Star Performer - Sérgio Conceição