LIGA NOS: PORTIMONENSE 1-1 AVES
Portimonense drew at home with Aves last Saturday evening to remain in 10th place in the league table, six points clear of the relegation zone.
The match played in front of just under 3,000 spectators came to life in the 16th minute when Aves’ keeper Beunardeau did well to block a Lucas Possignolo shot, the Portimonense defender subsequently hitting the post with his follow-up.
The home impetuous was quickly lost, however, a speculative Rodrigo free kick from fully 40 metres out five minutes later bouncing in the area before deceiving Ricardo Ferreira in the Portimonense goal for the lead.
Aves, now in charge, went in search of a second and Ricardo partially redeemed himself with a good save from Luquinhas shortly before half time offered some respite for manager António Folha’s beleaguered team.
Two substitutions and a switch in formation brought about immediate results as a Dener centre found Jackson Martinez in space, the Colombian forward volleying home his sixth goal of the season to restore parity.
Tabata also got more involved in the proceedings, two attempts on target preceding a good lay-off which Jackson only just failed to control when set to pounce.
Half-chances at either end followed, but it was the visitors who will have counted themselves unlucky not to restore their lead after a perfectly legitimate-looking Luquinhas strike in the 71st minute. Having initially given the goal, referee Jorge Sousa was then alerted by the VAR replay system and reversed his decision, having adjudged Aves’ Derley to have unsighted keeper Ricardo from an off-side position. Portimonense made the most of the let-off and saw out the 1-1 until the final whistle.
Next up for Folha’s men is a difficult trip to Lisbon where Sporting will await on Sunday night – matters will not be made easier by the enforced absence of top scorer Jackson, who picked up his fifth yellow card last weekend, and will sit out the game.
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