Portuguese Football in English
Udinese 1-2 Juventus
Cristiano Ronaldo was the hero for Juventus on Sunday afternoon with two crucial late goals as the Bianconeri came from behind to beat Udinese and remain in the top four in Serie A.
An early goal by Nahuel Molina looked set to consign Juve to 5th place at the end of the weekend’s action, but Ronaldo’s late intervention means his team still have Champions League qualification in their own hands.
Bruno Fernandes scored twice and provided two assists as Manchester United came from behind to hammer Paulo Fonseca’s Roma and put themselves on the verge of qualification for next month’s Europa League final.
The Italians led 2-1 at half time, but the loss of three players to injury before the break and a rejuvenated performance from United saw the semi-final first leg end in an emphatic victory for the Red Devils at Old Trafford.
The Europa League semi-final showdown between Manchester United and Roma on Thursday sees Portugal midfielder Bruno Fernandes going up against Paulo Fonseca’s Giallorossi at Old Trafford.
The tie represents a particularly special opportunity for both, with Fernandes hoping to edge closer to winning his first trophy in United colours while for Fonseca the result looks set to determine his future in the Italian capital.
The dramatic comeback staged by Lille against Lyon on Sunday evening was the story of the weekend in French football, as the Ligue 1 table toppers made the strongest of statements regarding their title credentials heading into the final month of action.
Lille came from 2-0 down to beat fellow championship hopefuls Lyon 3-2 away from home, meaning they maintain a one-point advantage at the top of the standings. With just four matches left to play, Christophe Galtier’s side must now finally be regarded as favourites to become French champions for the first time in a decade.
André Silva is just one goal away from equalling the all-time Eintracht Frankfurt record for most goals in a Bundesliga season after getting his 25th this weekend. Silva has another three league games this campaign to challenge the record, having struck in Frankfurt’s defeat to Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday.
Also this weekend, Nani earned Orlando City a draw in MLS with a typically audacious backheel finish, scoring his first goal of the new season. In Greece there was a brace for Bruma and a goal for former Portugal U21 winger Hélder Barbosa, while Tomás Esteves scored his first goal in English football for Reading in the Championship.
