City and Pompey claim impressive wins
Jo grabbed both goals for Man City
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Manchester United have got the defence of their Champions League crown off to a disappointing start following a 0-0 draw with Villarreal at Old Trafford. |  |
Thursday, 18, Sep 2008 09:41
Brazilian international Jo scored twice as Manchester City claimed a hard earned 2-1 win away at Omonia Nicosia in the Uefa Cup.
City dominated the first-leg of this first round match from the start and Jo should have given his team the lead but he somehow managed to miss an open goal from six yards out. The striker also saw a stinging low shot come off the post as City ran the show through the inspirational Robinho.
Stephen Ireland also hit the woodwork before the end of the first-half. City were made to pay for their poor finishing as the home side took a surprise lead.
City conceded a free-kick on the edge of the box and Klodian Duro stepped up to rifle the ball past Joe Hart.
Jo smashed a shot against the bar again, before he finally scored thanks to good work from Shaun Wright-Phillips. The England winger dispossessed Elias Charalambous, before crossing the ball into the box for Jo to easily score.
The impressive Jo won the game for the English side when he collected a cross from Pablo Zabaleta before driving a home a low shot.
Elsewhere, Portsmouth were comfortable 2-0 win winners in their first ever European game against Guimaraes at Fratton Park.
The energetic Lassana Diarra opened the scoring for Pompey as he took on three men before swapping passes with Jermain Defoe and the French international went on to score a superb goal.
The visitors should have been back on level terms when Sol Campbell conceded a penalty by bringing down Felix Roberto. But Joao Paulo Fajardo smashed his effort over the bar.
Portsmouth were then awarded a penalty themselves as Defoe was hurled down inside the area, but the England man saw his spot-kick saved by Nilson. Defoe made amends 12 minutes later as he volleyed in a Nadir Belhadj cross to making it a convincing win for Pompey.
Motherwell goalkeeper Graeme Smith saved a penalty from Nancy striker Issiar Dia, but he couldn't prevent his side going down to a 1-0 loss in the away leg. Pascal Berengeur scored the only goal of the game.