When Gonçalo Guedes headed Valencia in front against Granada on Saturday evening, he reached double-figures in league goals for the first time in his career. There is nothing misleading about the feat for the former Benfica man, who has emerged as Valencia’s key player on and off the pitch this season in Spain.
Guedes’ previous best-ever tally for league goals in a season was the eight he scored for Benfica B during his first campaign as a professional. Since graduating to top-flight football with the Eagles, the winger had never scored more than five prior to this season, making the ascent into one of La Liga’s star performers somewhat overdue for a player always tipped for greatness.
Real Betis 1-3 Atletico Madrid
Rafael Leão is experiencing somewhat of a breakout season in Italy with AC Milan, with his third campaign in the Rossoneri colours proving his most impressive not just in goalscoring terms but regarding his importance to Stefano Pioli’s team.
Cup football took centre stage across Europe this midweek as competitions moved towards the final states, and there were many positive stories involving Portuguese players and managers. Gonçalo Guedes steals the headlines with a fantastic winner to send Valencia to the Copa del Rey final at the expense of Athletic Bilbao.
Portuguese players struck in as many as 14 countries this weekend, led by former Sporting striker Rafael Leão who continues to demonstrate he is having his breakout year in Italy’s Serie A with AC Milan.