AVS has secured an unprecedented promotion to the first tier of the Portuguese Football League, by beating Portimonense, again 2-1, in the second leg of the play-off, relegating the Algarve team to the second tier after seven seasons.

After winning 2-1 in Portimão in the first leg, the Vila das Aves team won at home with goals from John Mercado (52 minutes) and Benny (89) and achieved the feat of climbing to the top tier of Portuguese football.

Although Ronie Carrilo scored the goal of honour (90+4 minutes), Portimonense, 16th in the I Liga in the 2023/24 season, follows Vizela and Desportivo de Chaves in relegation, after seven consecutive seasons among the top-tier teams.

Author

A passionate Irish journalist with a love for cycling, politics and of course Portugal especially their sausage rolls.

Rory Mc Ginn