Portimonense SC survived a serious Portuguese Cup scare on Saturday night, coming from behind to beat lower-division side Florgrade 2-1 and book their place in the next round. On a night when the home crowd sensed an upset, the professional visitors needed a second-half winner from substitute Diogo Martins to avoid a major shock in the knockout competition.

Match overview

Florgrade started with intensity and made the higher-ranked visitors uncomfortable early. The hosts pressed high, defended in a compact block and looked dangerous from set pieces. Portimonense saw plenty of the ball but struggled to turn possession into clear chances during the opening half-hour. The tie was level at the break, and although Portimonense improved after the interval, Florgrade remained a threat until the final whistle.

The scoreline of Florgrade 1-2 Portimonense SC reflects a cup tie that was far closer than the level of the two clubs suggested. Portimonense had more quality in the final third, but Florgrade’s organization and energy kept the match competitive throughout.

Key moments

Florgrade took a shock lead in the 12th minute when Andre Sousa met a corner at the near post and glanced a header into the far corner. The goal lifted the home side, and Portimonense needed time to settle. The equalizer arrived in the 34th minute through Rui Gomes, who cut in from the left and drove a low shot across the goalkeeper after a patient passing move.

Portimonense improved after half-time and forced a series of saves from the Florgrade goalkeeper. The decisive moment came in the 72nd minute when Diogo Martins, introduced from the bench, arrived at the back post to convert a low cross from the right. Florgrade pushed for a late equalizer and had one headed chance in the 88th minute, but Portimonense managed the closing stages professionally.

Tactical story

Florgrade set up to deny central space and force Portimonense wide. Their midfield stayed compact, and the back line defended the penalty area well for long spells. The hosts also targeted set pieces, which produced the opening goal and several nervy moments for the visitors. Portimonense controlled possession but were initially too slow in their build-up, allowing Florgrade to recover into shape.

The second half was different. Portimonense moved the ball quicker, used the width of the pitch and got more runners into the box. The introduction of fresh legs from the bench made a clear difference, with the winning goal coming from exactly that source.

Standout players

Andre Sousa was excellent for Florgrade, scoring the opener and defending bravely at the other end. Rui Gomes was Portimonense’s most consistent attacking threat, while Diogo Martins made the decisive impact as a substitute. The Florgrade goalkeeper also deserved credit for a string of saves that kept the tie alive.

What the result means

Portimonense advance in the Portuguese Cup, but the performance will give the coaching staff plenty to review. Cup ties are often about survival, and the visitors did enough to avoid a damaging early exit. For Florgrade, the result is a narrow defeat but a strong statement about their competitiveness against professional opposition. The home side can take confidence from the performance even as Portimonense move on.