The Ball – Estrella da Amadora wins on penalties and returns to first place after 14 years! (play)

On Sunday, Estrela da Amadora secured its return to the Portuguese first division – 14 years after its last appearance – by defeating Maritimo in the league playoffs. After winning in Reboleira (2-1), the Tricolor prevailed on penalties in Barreiros, after 2-1 to the Islanders in 120 minutes.

In a well-formed stadium, with 9,338 spectators, Maritimo started strongly and reached the goal, equalizing the playoffs, in the 18th minute, through Bruno Zadas, with a shot from outside the area, already after Félix Correa had frightened Brigido, at 12 ‘.

In the 25th minute, the Islanders could have taken the lead to equalise, but Andre Vidigal did not follow up a cross from the left from Vitor Costa.

A minute later, in the 26th minute, Miguel Lopez equalized for Estrella. Corner from Mansour and Ronald header Al-Qaim. Maritimo could not escape and Miguel Lopez fired home against Marcelo Carne.

Before the break, Estrella sniffed the goal, through Regis Ndu, in the 39th minute, but Carneh saved it. After the move, André Vidigal still celebrated for Madeira, but the goal was disallowed for being eight centimeters offside.

There were few goal-scoring chances in the second half, with Jenny Katamo hitting the post in the 55th minute and Chucho Ramirez’s header in the 89th minute for Brigido’s save. Between the two moments, Sergio Vieira (87th minute) was sent off, after a fight with a member of Maritimo’s technical team. Estrela’s trainer, who wears a head in heels, had to be grabbed.

Until the final whistle, Maritimo tried to drive balls into the area, and in the 90 + 6 minute Chucho Ramirez managed to score the islanders’ second goal, taking the match into extra time.

At this point in the match, Maritimo tried to force, but failed to score the third goal. The match went to penalties, where Estrella was stronger (3-2).

Estrela returns to the top flight after 14 years, while Marítimo drops down to Liga 2 after 38 years in the top flight. In 2023/2024, the Islands will not have teams in the league, as Santa Clara (Azores) are also relegated.