A late strike from Cape Verde winger Hélio Varela ended Portimonense’s winless pre-season run by ensuring victory over Al Nassr, still missing Cristiano Ronaldo but featuring other star players such as Talisca, Alex Telles and Otávio.
The Algarveans were back in action over the weekend with League One Bristol Rovers proving too strong at Parchal’s Boavista Stadium on Saturday morning, Irish midfielder Promise Omochere opening the scoring shortly before half time while a 90th-minute Luke Thomas penalty established the final result. A changed XI turned out the same evening at the Municipal Stadium (closed doors) against Benfica B and narrowly lost out to an 11th-minute Luan Farias strike.
New manager Sérgio Vieira was able to add long-term target Paulo Vitor to his reshaped team, the 25-year-old Brazilian Cruzeiro forward arriving in good time ahead of next Monday week’s season-opening match at Felgueiras. Before then, Portimonense and Farense will play each other tomorrow evening (Friday) at the Municipal Stadium (8pm kick-off) in an official unveiling of their teams – tickets available. Unfortunately, influential playmaker Carlinhos and last season’s captain Pedrão appear to be on their way out and will not participate.
Farense, whose new goalkeeper signing Kaique is out of action for up to three months following surgery to his elbow, were beaten 3-0 by Sporting in a behind-closed-doors warm-up match. The Lisbonites will do well to hang on to hat-trick hero and last season’s top scorer Gyökeres as several English Premier League clubs have come in with bids in excess of €70 million for the Swedish ex-Coventry striker.
