Relegation play-off second leg:
AVS SAD 2-1(4-2) Portimonense
Portimonense will now drop into the ultra-competitive SABSEG second division
Last Sunday evening, Portimonense ended their latest seven-year presence in Portugal’s topflight after losing their second leg relegation play-off match 2-1 against AVS SAD – formerly known as Vilafranquense – for a comprehensive 4-2 aggregate defeat.
The Algarveans will now drop into the ultra-competitive SABSEG second division next season whilst hoping to hold on to most of their young squad in order to achieve an immediate return. This will not happen under manager Paulo Sérgio, however, who announced on Monday afternoon that he will be leaving the club after five years in charge.
The game itself was very much a repeat of the first encounter, with Portimonense dominating with almost no end product. Normally second choice keeper Vinicius replaced Nakamura in goal and was soon called into action with good saves from Nene and Alaba.
A straight red card for AVS’ Farias towards the end of the first half appeared to offer a glimmer of hope to the visitors, only for the VAR third referee to overturn the decision allowing the hosts to retain their full complement on the pitch.
Following the break, John Mercado inevitably took advantage of a defensive mix-up to give the AVS the lead and provoking Sérgio, much to the disgust of the substituted Carlinhos and Berto, to make five changes before 75 minutes were up – all to no avail. As the clock was ticking down, a powerful drive from Benny sealed the Algarveans’ fate, which a late Carrillo injury time strike could do nothing to change. Game over.
By SKIP BANDELE
