After a long summer full of loans, transfers, and rumors, the 2018-2019 season in Europe is finally here. For many Mexican players, a new club in a new city or league means a fresh start and a chance to show what they can do. Let’s take a trip through Europe and see how some of them did this past weekend.

Raul Jimenez-Wolverhampton

Seeking playing time and a fresh start, Raul headed to England this summer to join newly promoted side Wolverhampton. His coach has gave him a vote of confidence and Raul was in the starting XI this past week in the game against Everton. Raul had a good first half but was unable to make much happen. In the second half he was much more active and had a few good chances but could not put the ball in the net. In the 80th minute, Raul Neves put in a cross and Raul was able to get excellent position to head the ball past the goalkeeper and into the back of the net. His goal tied the game at 2 goals a piece and was enough for the Wolves to claim a point. It was a dream debut for the former America and Benfica player. Let’s hope his good form continues throughout the long Premier League season.

Jesus Corona-Porto

Otro mexicano que arranca con gol en la temporada 2018-2019... Jesús Corona anotó el cuarto gol en la goleada del FC Porto.



Acá el golpic.twitter.com/Qc96OycjNJ — Futboliebers⚽ (@futboliebers) August 11, 2018

El Tecatito started the game on the bench but was subbed on at the 67th minute. He came into the game with lots of energy and it only took him 4 minutes to get on the scoresheet. In the 71st minute he managed to get the ball inside midfield, took it up himself, and scored a golazo! It was the fourth goal for Porto in the match, who dominated from beginning to end. The game ended 5-0 in favor of the defending champions. It seems like Corona only scores amazing goals in the little time he gets. Hopefully his form can earn him more playing time or a move to a different team where he can showcase his talents.

Hirving Lozano-PSV Eindhoven

Gol del Chucky Lozano en el triunfo del PSV 4-0 sobre Utrecht. pic.twitter.com/RxMWRzPJXK — Rafael Marquez Lugo (@RafaMLOficial) August 11, 2018

As the season began in the Netherlands, El Chucky picked up right where he left off last season for PSV. He was in the starting XI and got right into the game, making his usual runs at defenders and being a constant threat. In the 76th minute, a ball bounced off a defender, Lozano got on the end of it and put it away with a powerful shot to the bottom corner of the net. The game ended in a 4-0 victory for PSV. Let’s not forget that Lozano also gets the chance to play in the Champions League this year as he hopes to make the move to a bigger club in an elite league.

Hector Herrera-Porto

Defending champions, Porto, faced Chaves in week one of the Portuguese league. As is customary, Herrera was in the starting lineup wearing the captain’s armband. He has been handed the reigns of Porto’s midfield and has the responsibility of being the leader on the field. Herrera played all 90 minutes and had a solid but quiet game.

Antonio Briseño-Feirense

BUEN ARRANQUE PARA EL #Feirense Y EL POLLO BRISEÑO!!!

Inició la #PrimeiraLiga de #Portugal y todo fue felicidad para #Briseño y el feirense quiénes dieron cuenta del #RioAveFC 2-0 , el mexicano lidero la defensa, fue titular y jugó los 90 minutos en la victoria como locales. pic.twitter.com/IUneRFq4ms — Gol Gana Sports mx (@golganasports) August 13, 2018

After narrowly avoiding relegation last year, thanks in large part to his last minute goals, Feirense began their 2018/2019 season facing Rio Ave. After having to endure most of last season on the bench, it looks like Briseño has won the approval of his manager and secured his place on the team. He was included in the starting lineup and played all 90 minutes in his clubs 2-0 victory.

Javier Hernandez-West Ham United

After a summer filled with speculation about his future, Chicharito was given a vote of confidence by his new manager and decided to remain at West Ham. Unfortunately that new confidence did not earn him a start in the season opener, but he did come into the game at the 62nd minute. By the time Hernandez came on, the game was out of reach as Liverpool had a 3-0 lead. The game was dominated end to end by Liverpool and Chicharito along with his team were no match for the Reds, losing the game 4-0.

Marco Fabian, Carlos Salcedo-Eintracht Frankfurt

It was not a good start to the season for the two Mexicans in Germany. They started the season playing for the German Supercup against perpetual league champions, Bayern München. Both were included in the starting XI but they did little to prevent the thrashing Bayern gave them. Salcedo played as part of a three-man defense that stood no chance at stopping Bayern’s forwards. Fabian and the offense could do very little to get anything going. Salcedo played all 90 minutes and Fabian was subbed off in the 64th. Frankfurt lost the game 5-0. They get a chance to start fresh and defend their cup championship next week as the German cup begins with a match against SSV Ulm.

Guillermo Ochoa-Standard Liege

Ochoa had an amazing performance for El Tri in the World Cup, which led to a summer full of speculation. Rumors abounded that he was being sought out by many clubs in the elite leagues of Europe, but as of this date, nothing concrete has surfaced. The biggest rumor that keeps persisting is that Serie A’s Napoli are still interested but are not meeting the demand of Standard Liege. For now, Memo has stayed on and played the first three matches of the season in the league and the Champions League qualifiers. His performances have been very good and he has kept his team in games that they were close to losing.

Uriel Antuna-FC Groningen

The young Mexican defender started the season on the bench as his team opened up against Vitesse in the Netherlands. Antuna came on at the 58th minute, but just as Vitesse turned it up, his team fell apart, conceding three goals in less than ten minutes and losing the game 5-1. We will keep an eye on Antuna as he looks to secure a place in his team and in Europe.