Liga Portugal Betclick:
Farense 1-2 Vitoria Guimarães
Casa Pia 1-0 Portimonense
Farense were hoping to commence 100th anniversary celebrations of their São Luís Stadium – also the venue of major occasions such as the 1991 junior world championships and appearances by Roxy Music, Dire Straits and Pavarotti more recently – in style last Saturday afternoon, but visiting Vitória Guimarães, ably assisted by referee Manuel Oliveira, had other ideas.
A third-minute Tomás Ribeiro header following a corner saw Vitória take the early lead and dictate the pace until the interval thereafter, although the man in black overlooked a pulled shirt in the Farense penalty area on the half-hour mark.
Instead, Manuel Oliveira pointed to the spot 10 minutes into the second half without any obvious provocation, allowing Bruno Duarte to equalise. He then immediately proceeded to hand two quick yellow cards in succession and a subsequent sending off to Fabrício, forcing Farense to continue with 10 men and finally cave in to superior numbers as Jota Silva slotted home the winner shortly before the end.
Portimonense were reasonably happy with their referee that same evening but had no luck in front of goal as Casa Pia celebrated their first home win of the season.
Ronie Carrillo and Dener wasted good chances ahead of the break before 19-year-old Samuel Justo’s cool finish put the hosts ahead. The best opportunity to draw the game fell to substitute Midana in the 89th minute, but his effort trickled millimetres wide of the post.
The two Algarve clubs are back in action this bank holiday weekend with Farense travelling to champions Benfica on Friday evening (6pm) and Portimonense welcoming Famalicão on Saturday afternoon at 3.30pm.
By SKIP BANDELE
