Portuguese Football in English
At the age of 76, Jesualdo Ferreira has added to his extensive medal collection as a manager by guiding Zamalek to an unexpected Egyptian Premier League title this week.
A recent run of 12 consecutive victories in all competitions put Jesualdo’s side on course for a league and cup double, with fierce local rivals Al Ahly, coached by Ricardo Soares, unable to keep pace as Zamalek clinched the Premier League with three matches to spare.
Portugal midfielder João Palhinha added to his impressive start in English football by scoring his first Premier League goal at the weekend for Fulham. Cottagers boss Marco Silva was full of praise for his summer capture from Sporting, after watching his side beat Brentford 3-2 on Saturday.
Also in the English top flight, Bernardo Silva returned to the Manchester City line-up for their trip to Newcastle, scoring his first goal of the season in the process as the champions came from behind to draw 3-3 at St James’ Park. In Germany, Raphaël Guerreiro was on target but Borussia Dortmund suffered a remarkable collapse at home to Werder Bremen.
Lille 1-7 PSG
Paris Saint-Germain laid down an ominous marker this weekend in France by hammering Paulo Fonseca’s Lille 7-1 away from home on Sunday in Ligue 1.
Kylian Mbappe scored a hat-trick, while there was a brace for Neymar and further goals by Lionel Messi and Achraf Hakimi. There were also several Portuguese across the two sides, with Nuno Mendes, Vitinha and Renato Sanches featuring among the victors, while Jose Fonte and Tiago Djaló suffered for the home side.
The day is the 26th August 2021 and Cristiano Ronaldo, with his heart set on a departure from Serie A giants Juventus, has devised an exit plan alongside his super-agent Jorge Mendes - the infamous number seven is coming back to Manchester.
As the rumours transpire, the former Manchester United legend will not be representing his former club, however, but rather their cross-city rivals Manchester City, keen to replace Sergio Agüero in their fresh defence of the Premier League title.
João Félix made a spectacular start to the new La Liga season on Monday night, providing a trio of assists as Atletico Madrid started with a 3-0 win at Getafe.
The main beneficiary of Félix’s service was Alvaro Morata, who struck twice to see Atletico 2-0 up before the hour, including a splendid second which came from Félix’s perfect reverse throughball. Felix then received the ball on the half-turn and fed Antione Griezmann, who finished well from outside the box.
