Al Nassr 2-1 Damak

Cristiano Ronaldo was the matchwinner for Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr on Saturday, with a vintage free-kick earning all three precious points in the Pro League.

Luis Castro’s men came from behind at the break to equalise soon after the re-start through ex-Benfica man Talisca, before Ronaldo took centre stage to dispatch a wonderful winning goal and maintain Al Nassr’s title challenge.

The early 2000s was a particularly golden period for Sporting’s illustrious academy. As graduate Luís Figo – the world’s most expensive footballer - collected his Ballon d’Or while playing for Real Madrid, Alvalade was set to introduce several similarly talented wingers from the conveyor belt.

Simão Sabrosa, Ricardo Quaresma, Nani and Cristiano Ronaldo emerged over the next few years. Just behind them was a talent many believe was the best of them all: Fábio Paim. However, the Estoril native is today found regretting a career that failed to live up to his billing as a future superstar of the game.

José Mourinho could be set to leave European club football for the first time, with reports suggesting the Portuguese is likely to replace Jorge Jesus at the helm of Al Hilal at the end of the season.

Mourinho’s three-year contract with Roma expires next summer, with little indication that an extension is imminent. Indeed, his job in the Italian capital has been the subject of various rumours in recent days as potential replacements have been mooted in the local press.

Portuguese boss José Peseiro was in his homeland on Friday evening, with the Algarve the setting as his Nigeria side played out a 2-2 friendly draw with Saudi Arabia at the Estádio Municipal de Portimão.

Peseiro is preparing Nigeria for next year’s Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire, where the Super Eagles will be hoping to end their decade-long wait to reclaim the title. Speaking after the match in Portimão, the well-travelled coach admitted his side are looking at the road to glory in Abidjan.