LIGA PORTUGAL BETCLIC: VITÓRIA GUIMARÃES 1-2 FARENSE
LIGA PORTUGAL 2 MEU SUPER: PORTIMONENSE 0-3 FC PORTO B
Portimonense were ensured second division survival even before taking to the pitch last Sunday as equally relegation-threatened Oliveirense and Paços Ferreira failed to achieve mandatory wins the previous afternoon.
In consequence, it was now opponents FC Porto B who desperately needed a result and promptly went two up by half time against a weakened Algarvean team selection, facts which did nothing to dispel persistent rumours regarding a long-standing ‘special relationship’ between the two clubs.
Things did not improve after the interval, and Anhá Candé made it three nothing to fix the final score line. To add insult to injury, the few shots Portimonense did produce on target were saved by Samuel Portugal, outstanding former Portimonense keeper, whom Porto snatched up for a knock-down price only to leave him on the bench for the past four seasons.
The ‘convenient’ result leaves both clubs safe on 35 and 34 points ahead of the last match day, while Paços Ferreira (30) and Oliveirense (29) contest the play-off and relegation places ahead of already relegated Mafra.
At the same time, Farense were playing for their top division lives at UEFA Conference League hopefuls Vitória Guimarães where they had never previously won. The ‘Lions of Faro’ got off to a perfect start when Marco Matias latched onto a sixth-minute Rui Costa through ball to put the visitors one up.
The lead lasted until the interval, but Gustavo Silva levelled the scores immediately after the restart and matters looked bleak when Rony Lopes could only hit the post with his 81st-minute penalty.
However, Farense made one final push and defied all odds as well as match statistics – 21 to 7 shots at goal, 16 versus 3 corners in Guimarães’ favour – as Darío Poveda scored the winner with virtually the last touch of the game.
As things stand, all four bottom teams are still in contention to avoid the drop with Estrela Amadora in pole position on 29 points. They are followed by AVS SAD and Farense, both on 27 points, and Boavista on 24, bringing up the rear. Any one of these can still guarantee safety, take up the play-off position or be relegated come Saturday 6pm – Farense have home advantage, but again face a difficult task in the other Conference League contender, Santa Clara.
