Portuguese Football in English
Orlando City pulled off somewhat of an upset in the MLS is back Tournament on Friday evening, beating Los Angeles FC on penalties after a 1-1 draw and booking their place in the final four.
The triumph owed much to Orlando’s Portuguese influence, with youngster João Moutinho and Seleção legend Nani both taking starring roles on the night. Orlando will meet either Minnesota United or San Jose Earthquakes in the semi-final next Friday.
Portugal international Rony Lopes was unveiled by Ligue 1 club Nice on Thursday, after signing a one-year loan deal from Sevilla to move back to French football.
Lopes, 25, has endured a disastrous season in Spain with Sevilla after arriving on a long-term contract from Monaco last summer. The midfielder made just five appearances in La Liga last term, starting just twice as former Porto boss Julen Lopetegui showed little faith in his high-profile recruit.
Portuguese striker Rafael Leão came off the bench to score for AC Milan as the Rossoneri beat Sampdoria 4-1 on Wednesday evening to continue their fine form in Serie A.
The victory for Milan ensured they will finish in 6th place and qualify for the Europa League, having embarked on an 11-match unbeaten run in the league, while for youngster Leão it was yet another promising cameo.
Cristiano Ronaldo added yet another trophy to his collection this weekend as Juventus were crowned Italian champions with two games left to play, securing a remarkable 9th successive Serie A title.
Ronaldo scored and also missed a late penalty in the Bianconeri’s 2-0 victory over Sampdoria in Turin, with the Portugal captain falling behind Lazio’s relentless striker Ciro Immobile in their fascinating battle for the top goalscorer award in Italy.
Manchester United will play in the Champions League next year after one-year absence thanks to a 2-0 win at Leicester City on a nervy last day in the Premier League. Bruno Fernandes scored the all-important opening goal late on in the game from the penalty spot, capping a remarkable impact from the Portuguese in the second half of the season at Old Trafford.
Elsewhere, José Mourinho’s Tottenham Hotspur won the battle for 6th place, ousting Nuno Espírito Santo’s Wolverhampton Wanderers. Nuno’s men will now have to wait to discover whether they will play European football next season, with their Europa League campaign still offering the possibility of the Champions League.
