PORTSMOUTH, England — Portsmouth beat Fulham 4-3 in a fast-paced Premiership match here on Monday night with countless chances for either side though question marks surrounded the quality of both defenses.
Aiyegbeni Yakubu scored a hat trick in a night of high drama when Harry Redknapp’s side finally got off the mark for their first win of the season. Redknapp handed a debut to former Preston striker Ricardo Fuller of Jamaica who slotted in beside Yakubu and with Israeli playmaker Eyal Berkovic fielded just behind.
Fulham made just one change, bringing in Portugal’s Boa Morte in place of Collins John.
Champions Valencia Claim Nervous Victory
In Madrid, Valencia edged out Villarreal 2-1 in a nervy Mediterranean derby on Monday to get their Primera Liga title defense off to a positive start.
Claudio Ranieri’s side took the lead in the 27th minute when Carlos Marchena rose highest to head in a Vicente free kick. Ruben Baraja was left unmarked to score a similar goal 11 minutes later for 2-0.
Diego Forlan, Villarreal’s new signing from Manchester United, was left alone at the far post to pull a goal back after 79 minutes but Valencia managed to hold on. The result left Real Zaragoza as league leaders following the first round of matches, courtesy of their 3-1 win at home to Getafe on Sunday.
Barcelona, runners-up to Valencia last season, began the season with a 2-0 win away to Racing Satander on Sunday, while Real Madrid eked out a 1-0 win at Real Mallorca. Deportivo Coruna were held to a 1-1 draw away to Espanyol on Saturday.
