The final matchday of the Champions League group phase proved fruitful for goals among Portugal’s foreign contingent, with a particular contribution from some of the younger exports plying their trade abroad in Europe’s premier club competition.

Full-back Nuno Mendes came off the bench to score a superb winner for Paris Saint-Germain away at Juventus, which would have won the French champions top spot in Group H had it not been for Benfica’s heroics. There was also a well-taken first Ajax goal for Francisco Conceição, while Andre Silva’s strike helped RB Leipzig to victory and former Benfica forward Jota scored a stunning free-kick for Celtic at the Bernabeu.

There is a growing sense in England that Manchester United are headed in the right direction, having suffered nearly a decade of struggles. “I have a feeling United is coming back,” declared Pep Guardiola earlier this week. “Finally United is coming back, I have seen signals and I like what I’m seeing from United right now.”

After a disastrous start to his tenure, new United boss Erik ten Hag appears to have commanded an early authority and connection with his players and the Red Devils already reflect the Dutchman’s ideas on the pitch. Perhaps no player in the squad represents the revival from last season’s misery more than Portuguese full-back Diogo Dalot, who this weekend earned mass praise for yet another impressive showing.

João Félix made a strong return to goalscoring form this weekend after a controversial few days with Atletico Madrid. The Portugal forward came off the bench to score twice and seemingly earn Atletico a draw at Cadiz, only for Los Rojiblancos to concede a stoppage-time winner in La Liga.

Rúben Neves continues to inspire at Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League, scoring another goal to ensure his team claimed a share of the spoils against Brentford. Elsewhere, Jota was back among the goals for Celtic in Scotland and former Porto and Portugal midfielder Josué scored a hat-trick for Legia Warsaw in the Polish Ekstraklasa.

Manchester United 3-0 Sheriff Tiraspol

Cristiano Ronaldo marked his return to the Manchester United squad with a goal as the Red Devils beat Moldovans Sheriff at Old Trafford to ensure their battle for top spot in Europa League Group E will go to the final matchday.

Fellow Portuguese Diogo Dalot opened the scoring with a rare header to set United on their way shortly before half time, after which Ronaldo got himself a deserved goal upon his recall to the United ranks following recent disciplinary action from manager Erik ten Hag.