Salomão makes most of Sporting chance

Promising left-winger Diogo Salomão was left savouring a "special moment" after scoring his first goal for Sporting Clube de Portugal in a 5-0 UEFA Europa League win against PFC Levski Sofia in Lisbon.

The 22-year-old was on target in the second period along with Hélder Postiga and Matías Fernández, adding to first-half efforts from skipper Daniel Carriço and Maniche which helped inflict a record-equalling European defeat on Levski. Only FC Barcelona, in the 2006/07 UEFA Champions League group stage, and AZ Alkmaar, in the 1980/81 UEFA Cup, had previously beaten the Bulgarian side by five goals in UEFA competition.

"It was a special moment for me," said Salomão, who was making only his second start since joining Sporting from Massama's Real Sport Clube in July. The Portuguese Under-21 international added: "I was very happy to score in a competition like the Europa League. I don't know if I have yet earned my place in the team: I work everyday for that but the decision always belongs to the coach. Yet it was a great Sporting performance – the future looks very bright."

In truth, the damage could have been even greater for the beleaguered visitors. Hélder Postiga peppered Georgi Petkov's goal with five shots inside the opening 30 minutes before finally registering with number six just after the hour, rifling in from distance. "It was a good goal but the most important thing was that we won at home," said the 28-year-old, who also hit the post before his substitution brought a standing ovation on 64 minutes.

"We played very well and managed a big result, which is good for the fans," Hélder Postiga added. "Winning home matches is essential and if we win the next game too [at home to KAA Gent on 21 October] we will be close to the next round."

If it is any indication, Levski beat the Belgian team in their Group C opener, though Joãozinho says they were a shadow of their normal self in Lisbon. "Levski are much better than that – we didn't play well at all," said the 21-year-old. "Thankfully the result in the other match [Gent held LOSC Lille Métropole to a 1-1 draw] worked in our favour as it keeps us in second place. Now we have to see if we can win in France."