Portuguese Football in English
Two of Portugal’s top marksmen were on-target in the Champions League this week, with André Silva joining Cristiano Ronaldo in showing his best form in Europe’s premier club competition.
Ronaldo was again decisive on Tuesday as manager-less Manchester United booked their place in the knockouts with a 2-0 win at Villarreal, while Silva got on the scoresheet the following evening as RB Leipzig hammered Club Brugge 5-0 in Belgium.
Spartak Moscow 2-1 Napoli
Under-pressure Spartak Moscow coach Rui Vitória led his side to an impressive 2-1 victory over Italians Napoli in the Russian capital on Wednesday, giving Spartak genuine hope of progressing from a tough group in the Europa League.
Vitória has seen question marks over his future owing to a five-match winless run in the league, but Spartak’s European campaign is proving somewhat of a saving grace for the former Benfica boss. An early brace from Alexander Sobolev proved decisive in beating Napoli, sending Vitória’s men temporarily top of Group C.
Whether we’re talking any time in the last two decades or just this season, there has been a plethora of talented footballers from Portugal in the Premier League with players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Ricardo Carvalho and Nani to name a few legendary Portuguese players. That there are many incredibly good Portuguese players plying their trade in the world’s most high-profile league is testament to the football academy set-up in Portugal, and it is three of these players that we are here to discuss today. Of all the Portuguese players in the Premier League, who has been performing above and beyond for their team?
Al-Hilal 2-0 Pohang Steelers
Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal, coached by Leonardo Jardim, were crowned champions of Asia on Tuesday after overcoming Pohang Steelers of South Korea in the Champions League final.
A stunning long-distance goal inside the first minute by Nasser Al-Dawsari and a second-half strike from ex-Porto forward Moussa Marega gave Al-Hilal their fourth ACL triumph in Riyadh.
There have been few better players in the first third of the English Premier League season than Bernardo Silva. Having been linked with a move during the summer, the Portuguese midfielder has enjoyed a resurgence with Manchester City, where he is once again regarded as a vital component of the champions’ side.
Bernardo scored again at the weekend as City brushed aside Everton 3-0 at the Etihad Stadium, making it three goals in his last five league appearances. Already over halfway to his personal best tally since moving to England, the former Benfica man’s intelligence, industry and effectiveness have all returned to a high level in his fourth season in Britain.
