Liga Bwin: Portimonense 0-2 Estoril
Portimonense again paid dearly for failing to replace the departed Beto – scored for Udinese during the third consecutive weekend to secure a 1-1 draw with Atalanta – with a proven centre forward as Paulo Sérgio’s team lost 2-0 at home despite dominating most of last Sunday evening’s encounter.
“We played well and the score line does not reflect what happened on the pitch,” the manager said afterwards. “Two mistakes cost us, but we deserved something from the game.”
His opinion was supported by the match statistics which saw Portimonense enjoy 61% possession whilst managing 24 shots on goal and six corners as opposed to Estoril’s 39%, six shots and one corner kick. Nonetheless, as the likes of Willyan, Pedro Sá, Fali Cande, Angulo and Renato Junior’s best efforts failed to translate into a tangible advantage, André Franco produced a cool finish to put the visitors ahead on the hour mark.
Dani Figueira then saved well from Aylton Boa Morte before Sérgio decided to throw more men forward by introducing Nakajima, Anderson and Aponza for Sá, Angulo and Pedrão. The bold move immediately backfired, however, Arthur dispossessing Nakajima on the edge of the area to set up Bruno Lourenço for the decisive 2-0.
Lucas Fernandes and Aponza still had good chances to pull the score back, but this was not to be Portimonense’s night as Dani denied both opportunities.
The defeat leaves the Algarveans in sixth place with another ‘big’ match coming up on Monday when a trip to fifth-placed Braga is on the agenda.
Meanwhile, the Portuguese FA Cup fourth round draw has handed all three remaining Algarve clubs away ties at second division sides. Portimonense travel to Penafiel (6th), Farense take on Casa Pia (3rd) and Olhanense face Rio Ave (1st) – all matches to be played over the weekend of November 19/20/21.
By SKIP BANDELE
