Portimonense will remain in Portugal’s top tier Liga NOSfor the coming season after Vitória de Setúbal’s appeal against exclusion from football’s professional ranks was rejected by the sport’s court of arbitration (TAD).
Meanwhile, recent signings Maurício and Fabrício have been joined in the Algarve by 26-year-old Brazilian winger Júlio César who will take the place of likely-to-depart Bruno Tabata. Another new arrival, gifted young Malaysian international Safawi Rasid, should start in the U-23 ‘B’ team before progressing to the senior side. Missing for some time to come will be Hackman, a regular under manager Paulo Sérgio, after undergoing a hernia operation.
None of the recent signings played a part during last Friday’s return to ‘friendly’ action against Sporting Lisbon which saw wholesale changes by both teams at half time. Portimonense took the lead from the penalty spot through Lucas Possignolo in the 54thminute, but were soon pegged back when Sporar slotted home in a similar manner at the other end – Tiago Tomás then scored the winner for the visiting Lisbonites a quarter of an hour before the end.
On Tuesday evening, English Championship club Reading FC, on a short break in the Algarve, provided the opposition. Few clear-cut chances at either end meant the match finished goalless, the ‘Royals’ in particular fielding a solid defence once again highlighting Sérgio’s need for an experienced striker – a role Fabrício will fill shortly.
Also earlier this week, the 2020/21 fixture list was published and Portimonense kick off against Paços de Ferreira at their Municipal Stadium over the weekend of September 20.
Other stand-out home matches are Sporting at the beginning of October, local rivals Farense just after the New Year, Braga in February, Porto in March and Benfica in April.
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