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| Wednesday, 22 September 2010 23:17 |
Simao on mark for Atletico; Bebe makes United bowWednesday night action Simao Sabrosa scored his first goal of the season as Atletico Madrid ended Valencia’s 100% start to the campaign by earning a 1-1 draw at the Mestalla. Meanwhile, Bebe was handed his first appearance for Manchester United in the English Carling Cup.
Valencia entertained Atletico having won each of their opening three La Liga matches, and the hosts selected Miguel and Ricardo Costa in defence for the occasion. Manuel Fernandes was issued a place on the bench by Unai Emery, while visitors Atletico started with Simao, but there was no sign of Tiago Mendes in the travelling squad. Simao opened the scoring in the 18th minute, finishing off a fantastic counter attack from Atletico that also involved Diego Forlan and Antonio Lopez. For a long time it appeared that the former Benfica captain’s strike would prove the winner, but Valencia forward Aduriz levelled with seven minutes left on the clock. Elsewhere on the night, Tiago Gomes came off the bench to play the final twenty-five minutes, as newly promoted Hercules came away from their match at Real Zaragoza with a goalless draw. Carling CupOn a night of surprises in the English Carling Cup 3rd round, Manchester United survived an early shock to beat Scunthorpe 5-2. Portuguese under-21 international Bebe enjoyed a bright debut after he was brought on for the final 17 minutes, as United came from behind to win thanks to goals from Darron Gibson, Michael Owen (2), Chris Smalling and Ji-Sung Park.Nani was rested by the Red Devils, who go through on a night that saw Manchester City and Liverpool suffer surprise eliminations. Liverpool did not call on Raul Meireles for what appeared a routine home tie with Northampton Town. However, the visiting team, who play in League Two, England's fourth tier, won through on penalties after a 2-2 draw. Premiership champions Chelsea were also knocked out, by Newcastle at Stamford Bridge, with Paulo Ferreira included in a Blues side that surrendered an early lead to eventually lose 4-3 in London. On the previous evening, Paulo Sousa’s Leicester City, with Miguel Vitor and Moreno in the line-up, progressed with a 2-1 win at Portsmouth, while Manuel da Costa and Luis Boa Morte helped West Ham edge Sunderland 2-1 away from home. Joao Silva was an unused substitute as Everton crashed to a penalty shootout defeat at Brentford following a 1-1 draw. Serie AIn Italy, Miguel Veloso played his part in Genoa’s 1-1 home draw with Fiorentina. Genoa’s Giandomenico Mesto played a nice one-two with Veloso before firing past Frey to cancel out Alberto Gilardino’s opener for Fiorentina. Portugal goalkeeper Eduardo joined Veloso in the Genoa starting line-up.By Sean Gillen Keep up to date with all the latest news on Portuguese football with the PortuGOAL Twitter! |
Not bagging Benfica just their coach for letting a quality player and a fan favourite go.