Portuguese Football in English
Portuguese forward Beto enjoyed a sensational start to life with new club Everton on Wednesday night, marking his debut with a goal and a Player of the Match cameo in the League Cup.
Everton were losing 1-0 to fourth-tier Doncaster Rovers at half time, leading Toffees boss Sean Dyche to introduce his new Luso recruit at the break. Beto’s arrival sparked a turnaround as he equalised for the visitors, ahead of a late winner from Arnaut Danjuma for a 2-1 victory.
English club Everton have confirmed the signing of Udinese forward Beto for a fee believed to be in excess of £30m, with the Portuguese signing a four-year deal at Goodison Park.
The Toffees are in desperate need of goals having failed to score in all three of their defeats at the start of the new Premier League season. Beto leaves Serie A having proved a revelation with Udinese following his move from Portimonense in the summer of 2021.
João Palhinha produced the moment of the weekend in the Portuguese Abroad section with a dramatic late equaliser to give Marco Silva’s Fulham a memorable 2-2 draw at Arsenal on Saturday.
Also in the Premier League, Bruno Fernandes was a driving force as Manchester United came from 2-0 down to beat Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford. Elsewhere, Xande Silva scored his first goal on his home debut for Atlanta United in MLS, while Cristiano Ronaldo hit a hat-trick in Saudi Arabia, where Jota proved a point with champions Al-Ittihad.
Al Fateh 0-5 Al Nassr
Otávio made his debut for Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr on Friday evening, but it was Cristiano Ronaldo who stole the show with a hat-trick to help Luis Castro’s men to a resounding first win of the league campaign.
Portugal international Otávio completed his move to the Middle East on Thursday, signing from FC Porto after his €60m release clause was activated. The 28-year-old went straight into Luis Castro’s side for the trip to Al Fateh the following evening, and impressed in midfield as Ronaldo ran riot to give the visitors a much-needed victory.
Bernardo Silva’s contract extension at Manchester City has been greeted with strong enthusiasm from the club’s supporters, with the Portugal international committing to the European champions for what should be some of the peak years of his career.
The midfielder extended his deal at the Etihad by one year, meaning he will be a City player until 2026 by which time he will be 32 years old. For some, the notion of Bernardo being a free agent in three years sets up the possibility of a long-awaited Benfica homecoming while still somewhat at the prime of his career.
