Portimonense even drew 0-0 in regular time, but, on penalties, was defeated by Getafe, from Spain, in the semi-final game of the Iberian Cup, played this Saturday, July 20, at the Estádio Municipal de Portimão.
For his debut in this competition, António Folha bet on an 11 with many familiar faces from last season, but which also included reinforcements Rômulo, Castilho and Koki Anzai.
Portimonense started better, with greater intensity of play, and had the first opportunity to take the lead after 9 minutes. Rômulo took a free-kick on the edge of the area that forced the Getafe goalkeeper to make a tight save. Jadson, on reload, still shot at the post.
The first part was, almost always, played at a slow pace (as is typical of pre-season). The Algarvians presented, however, an idea of the game that was already more consolidated, also the result of many of the players having already met from last season.
At 19′, Portimonense had a sovereign opportunity to score. A good attacking move ended with Rômulo and Castilho up against the Spanish goalkeeper. Rômulo wanted to serve his teammate, but Ruben Yáñez anticipated and grabbed the ball.
The first sign of danger from Getafe came in the 26th minute, through Jack Harper. The Scottish forward shot outside the area for an easy save by Ricardo Ferreira. At 36′, another chance for the Spaniards, with Mata, after a cross and already in the small area, shooting close to the post.
In the second half, the Spanish team changed the 11 (!) players and appeared with more danger near Ricardo Ferreira's goal. Portimonense, on the other hand, fell in performance throughout the second half and rarely had an attack of real danger.
In a period of added time, Beto, hired by the Algarve from Olímpico do Montijo, had the chance to advance Portimonense on the scoreboard, but allowed the cut, in extremis, from the defender of Getafe.
With the tie in regular time, the game had to be decided on penalties, with the Spaniards winning 3-2. For Portimonense, William, Jorge Vilela and Ruster failed. On the other hand, on Getafe's side, only Arambarri did not score.
The defeat prevents the Algarve from playing in the grand final of the Iberian Cup that will pit FC Porto against Getafe. Portimonense will play, at 11:30 am, this Sunday, the 21st, the 3rd place game against Betis de Sevilla.
Photos: Nelson Ignatius | Sul Informação
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