LIGA PORTUGAL BETCLIC: FARENSE 1-2 SANTA CLARA
LIGA PORTUGAL 2 MEU SUPER: ALVERCA 2-1 PORTIMONENSE
A final heroic performance against Europa Conference League qualifiers Santa Clara ultimately proved beyond Farense who were relegated from Portugal’s top tier alongside Boavista last Saturday evening leaving AVS SAD to contest the play-off match with second division third-placed Vizela.
The Algarveans dared to hope for a brief moment when a first-half injury-time Ângelo Neto penalty wiping out an earlier Santa Clara strike propelled them into the play-off spot, but the dream only lasted minutes before Serginho put the Azoreans back in front with very few opportunities to get back on terms thereafter. The Algarve can, at least, now look forward to the resumption of its regular regional derby next season.
A little earlier that day and a division lower, already-safe Portimonense capitulated early on in their game against Alverca when Alemão managed to get himself sent off within 10 minutes for two successive bookings, leaving the working men’s club to celebrate their return to the top tier following a 21-year absence by completing a facile 2-1 win.
Also ‘up’ are Tondela while Mafra and Oliveirense now face life in the third division. Portimonense are now considering replacing coach Ricardo Pessoa with Tiago Fernandes, most recently in charge of Torreense.
Elsewhere in Portugal…
Sporting successfully saw off Benfica’s title challenge by beating Vitória Guimarães, sparking wild celebrations as the new and defending Champions paraded their regained trophy through the streets of Lisbon.
