As the world watches the developments in Ukraine with great concern, for the only Portuguese footballer playing in the country the last couple of days have been an unexpected and terrifying ordeal.
Nélson Monte, formerly of Rio Ave, arrived in Ukraine to play for SC Dnipro-1 last summer, under the impression that the political turmoil in the country was unlikely to intensify into a threat to his own safety. When Russian president Vladimir Putin announced a full-scale military invasion on their neighbours on Wednesday, things changed quickly.
Few managers in football are capable of dividing opinion so much as Jose Mourinho, although few other managers can also boast such a consistent record of achievements. In every country where the iconic Portuguese coach has worked, leagues have been won and trophies have been lifted.
Atletico Madrid 1-1 Manchester United
João Félix scored his first goal of 2022 on Saturday and provided a wonderful assist for Luis Suarez, as Atletico Madrid secured a much-needed victory at Osasuna. Los Rojiblancos face Manchester United in the Champions League on Wednesday and having struggled in La Liga in recent months a win was an important confidence boost.
Portugal international Bernardo Silva has been at Manchester City since 2017 and he continues to be an integral player in Pep Guardiola’s side.