The only Algarve team remaining in the Portugal Cup travelled to Sintra where torrential rain had saturated the Real SC pitch. Even so, it was the non-league side who adapted better to the conditions and ran out comfortable winners to reach the last 16 for the first time in their history.
Real SC had the first effort on goal after six minutes, with the visitors responding five minutes later as Doudou’s cross shot was well gathered by keeper Patrick Costinha.
Playing any type of decent football was a lottery and, not surprisingly, the first goal came from a corner when, after half-an-hour, Sabry headed home. Doudou wasted a great opportunity to level matters for Olhanense six minutes before the break.
It was to prove a costly miss as, two minutes after the restart, captain Rúben Marques made it 2-0 as he headed home Jorge Bernardo’s cross.
Olhanense boss Bruno Baltazar made three substitutions – Edgar Abreu replaced Kiki, Virga made way for Salim Cissé and Jorge Araújo took the field in place of Aldair – but to no avail as Real SC joined three other non-league teams in the fifth round.
There were shock defeats for Primeira Liga sides Nacional at Torreense (Torres Vedras) and P.Ferreira at Vilafranquense (Lisbon district). In the all-Primeira Liga clash between GD Chaves and FC Porto it was the home team who won through on penalties after extra-time. Benfica beat Marítimo 6-0 whilst Sporting Lisbon had a comfortable 5-1 victory over non-league Praiense (Azores).
Big battle in Braga
On Sunday, Olhanense travel to the far north where they will be hoping to continue their good league form against SC Braga ‘B’.
Braga have been known as ‘Os Arsenalistas’ ever since the team changed their green and white kit to red with white sleeves 70 years ago. Braga’s president in those days, José Antunes Guimarães, had business connections in London and was an Arsenal fan, hence the change!
Braga even renamed their youth team Arsenal de Braga.
Olhanense’s next home game is on Sunday, December 4 against Leixões SC.
By CHRIS WRIGHT
Photo: Bruno Baltazar rung the changes but tasted defeat for the first time as Olhanense manager
