Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Porto defeat Atletico in Champions League

FC Porto have gained a huge victory in Champions League group play after defeating Atletico Madrid at home 2-0 in Matchday 2 action in Group D action. Porto received two late markers to seal the victory, the first from Falcao on a back heel from a Hulk pass and the second from Rolando on a corner kick. Porto now sit in 2nd spot in the group three points behind Chelsea and two ahead of Atletico and APOEL.

Saturday, September 26, 2009

Benfica crush Leixoes for 5th win in a row

Benfica crush Leixoes at the Estadio da Luz for their 5th league win in a row and move into sole position of second spot two points behind league leaders Braga. Benfica get two goals from Cardozo and one a piece from Ramires, David Luiz and Maxi Pereira for a 5-0 thumping of Leixoes. The Eagles had the game open up for them when Leixoes' Pouga received his second yellow midway through the first half and Benfica held a 1-0 lead at the half and then Nuno Silva was given Leixoes' second red of the game on a vicious tackle in the box. This opened the game for the home side and they didnt disappoint scoring four more times and embaressing the visitors

Falcao leads Porto past Sporting

Falcao scored an early marker on a header in the 3rd minute and Porto hung on for the rest of the match as they defeat Sporting 1-0. Sporting now have lost two of their first six matchups while Porto moves into a tie with Benfica for second with the Eagles yet to play this week and are five points behind leaders Braga

Braga continue to roll against Olhanense

Braga continue their perfect run in the Portuguese Superliga with a late victory over Olhanense in Week 6 action. Braga got a late marker from Alan in the 90+ minute to preserve their strong start to the season. Braga sit atop the Portuguese league with a 6-0-0 record.

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Luisao's younger brother heading to the Luz

Luisao's younger brother could be on his way to the Luz to sign with Benfica. Andre Silva who will turn 18 in October is also a central defender like his older brother and would join Benfica's junior club as he gets accustomed to European football.

Sunday, September 20, 2009

Braga continue unbeaten run against Porto


Braga continue their unbeaten run in the Superliga (Liga Sagres) this season with a 1-0 victory over defending Champions Porto. Alan scored in the 70th minute for Braga in what was a tight defensive affair. Braga now have defeated two of the big three this season and if they can defeat the third in Benfica this could be a very interesting season for the men from the Minho region.

Saturday, September 19, 2009

Leixoes open Week 5 with a victory

Leixoes have opened Week 5 of the Portuguese Superliga (Liga Sagres) with renounding victory over Guimaraes. Leixoes picked up their first victory of the season on the 3-1 win. Laranjeiro on a PK, Pouga and Ze Manuel scored for Leixoes and Nuno Assis got the lone marker for Guimaraes.

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Portuguese clubs win two of three in Europa League action

Portuguese clubs took to action in their first games of the group stage of the revamped UEFA Europa League. Benfica, Sporting and Nacional all played today with two of the three teams getting wins in the first matchups. Benfica took on Bate Borisov at the Estadio da Luz and defeated the Belarusian side 2-0 on first half goals by Nuno Gomes and Oscar Cardozo while Sporting visited the Netherlands to take on Heerenveen and obtained a crucial 3-2 with a hat trick from Liedson. Nacional was the only side to come away non victorious on this day losing at home to German club Werder Bremen by a 3-2 score after coming back to tie the game after being down 2-0 before Werder scored late for the victory. Halliche and Lopes scored the markers for Nacional.

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Porto stay winless at Stamford Bridge

FC Porto continue their lossing ways at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea as the Blues topped the Dragons 1-0 on a goal by Anelka. Helton was sharp in net for Porto but they could not penetrate Chelsea's goal and start off the campaign with a loss.

Monday, September 14, 2009

Benfica continue to crush opponents

Benfica continue its torrid scoring pace in the Superliga with a crushing 4-0 defeat of Belenenses. Javier Saviola with his first as a Benfica player, Cardozo, Ramires and Javi Garcia all chipped in markers for Benfica who prepare to take on Everton in UEFA Europa League play

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Braga remain atop of the Superliga

Braga continue their run atop the Superliga (Liga Sagres), with a victory in Madeira over Martimo. Braga got their markers from J. Pereira and Meyong while Maritimo's marker came from Miguel Angelo as Braga win the matchup 2-1 and remain unbeaten early in this campaign.

Saturday, September 12, 2009

Porto crush Leixoes in Superliga action

Porto crushed Leixoes in Superliga action 4-1 in Week 4. Porto avenge last seasons lost at the Dragao to Leixoes in great fashion as Varela, Hulk, Rolando and Falcao got the markers before Leixoes got a late marker from Pouga to break the shutout. Porto now get ready for action in the Champions League this week

Friday, September 11, 2009

Guimaraes start off Week 4 with a win

Guimaraes start off with a victory in Week 4 action in the Superliga against Naval. Guimaraes defeated visiting Naval 3-0 with goals from Roberto, Gustavo and Meireles, Naval looked to get their season back in gear after replacing their head coach but it was not meant to be

Wednesday, September 09, 2009

Pepe keeps Portugal dream alive

Pepe has keep the Portuguese dream of attending World Cup 2010 alive with his early header in the 10th minute of the game. Portugal went into this game that anything more then a victory would all but eliminate the team from World Cup action. Portugal and Hungary both played a tight defensive matchup with not too many chances getting through for either team but that wouldnt matter for Portugal on this night as they now slide into third spot, five points behind Denmark and two points behind Sweden for the coveted second spot with two games remaining in the group stage. Portugal will now host Hungary at home on October 10, 2009 that same night Denmark will host Sweden in another key matchup in the group. Portugal will need to do something it has yet to do in this group stage and that is get a victory on home soil, that would go along way especially if the Danes can win or draw against the Swedes.

Tuesday, September 08, 2009

Portugal on the brink of elimination

Portugal goes into game eight of their group qualifying matchup in Hungary needing a victory to keep the nation's hope alive for a World Cup return for the 2006 semi-finalists. Portugal currently sit in fourth spot trailing group leaders Denmark by seven points and second place Hungary by three points. The Quinas with a victory, will go along way as Sweden visit minnows Malta in what should be an easy victory for them and the Swedes currently sit in third place in the group one point behind Hungary. Portugal looks to be gunning for that coveted second spot which would all but guarantee a knockout phase for the team but a defeat would all but eliminate the Portuguese side. Portugal can afford a draw but would need a ton of help going forward so nothing short of a decisive victory will satisfy the fans and the team itself

Sunday, September 06, 2009

Sporting receive their share from Ronaldo deal

Sporting have received their share of money for the Ronaldo deal between Manchester United and Real Madrid. Ronaldo was part of the Sporting youth system from the ages of 12 to 18 years. Sporting received 2.4 million euros from Real as based on the time spent in the Sporting youth system. The calculation works something like this for each year Ronaldo was a Sporting member up to the age of 15, Sporting were entitled to $241,000 Euros and from 15 to 18, Sporting receive $482,000 Euros. The Lions continue to reap the rewards from their stellar youth system.

Saturday, September 05, 2009

Liedson saves Portugal against Denmark

Liedson's first cap for Portugal was a memorable one as the Brazilian now Portuguese striker scored late on a header from a corner kick to give Portugal a draw against Group Leaders Denmark 1-1. Portugal played a strong game but as is the norm could not find the back of the net and a late first half goal by Bendtner gave Denmark a 1-0 lead at the half. Portugal went to attack mode in the second half and Denmark played with as many as nine players back at a time and continous blocked and thwarted Portugal's chances until the Liedson marker. Liedson almost made it a brace in the 90+ minute and only a great save by the Danish keeper kept this game even. Portugal will now travel to Hungary for an all important matchup as the now sit 4th in the group with three games remaining after Sweden defeated Hungary 2-1 with a late marker to move into third spot in the group

Thursday, September 03, 2009

Benfica defeat Celtic in Toronto friendly

Benfica defeated Celtic in their international friendly game at BMO Field in Toronto, Canada. Benfica scored early in the game when Keirrison gathered a rebound two minutes in to give the pro Benfica grab the lead but Celtic tied the game just before the half when Paul McGowan scored on one of Celtic's few chances in this game. Benfica then regained the lead in the second half when Ruben Pinto scored and the Javier Saviola made it 3-1 Benfica at the 71st minute to give the portuguese side all the needed in the matchup. The pro crowd of just over 16,000 chanted and sang most of the game as the "Glorioso" leaves Canada with a dominant victory.

Tuesday, September 01, 2009

Benfica arrive in Toronto for friendly

Benfica have arrived in Toronto, Canada for their friendly tomorrow against Scottish side Celtic at BMO Field. Benfica will have a practise tonight before tomorrow's matchup which kicks off at 7.30pm eastern time