Olhanense continue to bewilder their fans with a mixture of despair and delight. After the 2-0 win over Portimonense, the team travelled to the capital to take on Benfica ‘B’ who were lying in second place in the league.
In an even first-half it was Olhanense who went in at the break with a single goal advantage thanks to a Rodrigo António strike in the 40th minute.
After the interval the visitors pressed the self destruct button when, firstly, they gave away a silly free-kick that resulted in Helder Costa levelling matters. Secondly, to make matters worse, centre-back Ubay Luzardo picked up two yellows cards within the space of two minutes for stupid infringements and was off for an early bath.
With more than half-an-hour to play against 10 men, The Eagles ran riot, Helder Costa helped himself to a hat-trick with Rui Fonte and Ruben Pinto adding further goals in the 5-1 win.
It was fortunate that 17 year-old Gonçalo Guedes, considered by many to be the new Cristiano Ronaldo, had a quiet game, otherwise there is no telling what the final score would have been.
The Benfica starlet, who is being chased by many of Europe’s top clubs, is a target for Arsenal but would cost the north London side in excess of €50 million.
Olhanense then moved north to take on league leaders Freamunde without defenders Ubay Luzardo, sent-off, and Duarte Machado who picked up a fifth yellow card against Benfica.
Surprisingly, the Algarveans were two goals to the good inside 15 minutes thanks to a Paulo Regula penalty and a Celestino rocket from well outside the penalty area.
The home side were perplexed by the award of the penalty as the ball appeared to hit defend Bruno Santos in the face.
Tiago Cintra should have reduced the arrears for the home side before Celestino had an opportunity to extend Olhanense’s lead on the stroke of half-time. After the interval Freamunde’s Dally had a goal ruled out for handball before Luís Pedro saw red for a bad tackle with five minutes to go.
Freamunde manager Filó was sent to the stand at the interval and after the game was openly critical of referee Tiago Nunes.
Olhanense are now sandwiched in mid-table level on points with Farense, who drew 1-1 away at Atlético, and a point ahead of Portimonense.
By CHRIS WRIGHT
