The pre-match signs weren’t exactly encouraging, but the truth is that the clash between AVS and FC Arouca was more interesting than anyone expected.
Let’s go in parts, dear reader. A match played at 8:15pm on a Tuesday, always destined for the slightly underrated League Cup which pits two teams head-to-head who enter the field with their eyes on the next round of their respective tournaments (as was evident from the changes promoted by both managers). However, there was a positive reaction from the second line, in a scenario that ended in a 2-1 victory for FC Arauca.
From the hole in the barrier to the missed penalty kick
We’re not lying when we say that both Jorge Costa and Daniel Ramos have made several changes to their teams. While Simão Bertelli and Zé Ricardo were the only ones who remained in the initial AVS options for the last match, the Arouquenses introduced themselves into the match with six changes in the eleven.
Jason scored from a free kick @Catarina Moraes/Capta+
Despite the great responsibility that being a top-flight player gave him, Arouca always allowed Avensis to have more possession of the ball. However, it ended up being the Serra da Freita team that reached the goal first. After being fouled by Zé Ricardo, Jason Remisiero, one of the key players who remained in the team, executed the free kick on the edge of the penalty area, taking advantage of the open “gap” in the opponent’s wall, and was able to celebrate.
Even with the heavy blow the Avs took, they had the ability to respond and thrive throughout the first half. This scenario culminated in a penalty kick for Portuguese Liga side Sapseg, but striker Sangari could do no better than shoot wide.
You really need to rely on them
Jorge Costa has said that it is necessary to be careful regarding the expectations created regarding AVS. However, the indicators are clearly positive. As we previously mentioned, many changes were made, but this did not prevent the current leaders of the second division from performing well, especially in the supplementary stage.
The first sign of danger came in the 48th minute when Sanjari’s goal was disallowed for offside. But the move galvanized the fans who equalized in the 59th minute. In a move very similar to the one canceled minutes earlier, Carlos Daniel appeared at the far post and only had to clear a fine cross from Edson Farias.
At a disadvantage, Daniel Ramos changed the team and was rewarded. Arroquense’s coaches, David Simao and Sylla, were called into play and had a direct impact on the second goal. After recovering the ball from the number 5, Sela appeared on the right flank and crossed low for Cristo Gonzalez, also one of the starters from the start, to turn the ball into the goal.
Until the final whistle, the AVS tried to persist, but without creating any real danger. Arouca thus ended a run of six consecutive matches without achieving a win, thus winning the three points, and was left to rely only on himself to advance in the League Cup, in a group that also included Benfica.
