Portimonense Relegated to II Liga: Coach Paulo Sérgio Departs After 7-Year Tenure

Portimonense's seven-year stay in the top division of Portuguese football has come to an end following their 2-1 loss to AVS in the relegation playoff. The defeat means the Algarve-based team will compete in the II Liga next season, and coach Paulo Sérgio has left the team.

The pivotal match took place on Sunday, June 3, 2024, at Vila das Aves. Portimonense needed to secure a win to remain in the I Liga but failed to do so, losing the playoff 4-2 on aggregate. The team initially showed promise but was outplayed by AVS, who created several scoring opportunities.

The match saw AVS take the lead in the 51st minute with a goal from John Mercado. Benny extended their lead in the 88th minute, effectively sealing Portimonense's fate. Fernando Fonseca managed to score a consolation goal for Portimonense in the 95th minute, but it was too late to change the outcome.

The game was also marked by significant disciplinary actions. A red card was initially shown to Edson Farias from AVS in the 41st minute, but this decision was later overturned after a video referee review. The match ended with a major on-field scuffle, resulting in the dismissals of Fernando Fonseca and Pedrão in the 90+8th minute.

Portimonense's relegation brings an end to their seven-year tenure in the top division, a period that began in the 2017/18 season. During this time, the team narrowly avoided relegation in the 2019/20 season. The departure of coach Paulo Sérgio is a direct consequence of this relegation, marking the end of his tenure with the team.

The relegation playoff has continued a trend where the third-placed team in the II Liga secures promotion to the I Liga. This year, AVS joins Santa Clara and Nacional, who were already promoted, in the Portuguese football elite. This marks the third consecutive year that the third-placed team in the II Liga has managed to secure promotion.

Jorge Costa, the coach of AVS, will now transition to a new role of director of football at FC Porto. The match was officiated by João Pinheiro and broadcast live, drawing significant attention from football fans and analysts.

Portimonense will now have to regroup and prepare for the challenges of the II Liga in the 2024/25 season. The team's management will need to make critical decisions regarding their strategy and leadership as they aim to return to the top division.

Portimonense's relegation and the departure of Paulo Sérgio mark a significant shift for the club. The upcoming season in the II Liga will test their resilience and ability to bounce back to the top tier of Portuguese football.

Key Takeaways

• Portimonense relegated to II Liga after 2-1 loss to AVS in relegation playoff.
• Coach Paulo Sérgio leaves the team following relegation.
• AVS promotes to I Liga, continuing trend of 3rd-placed II Liga teams.
• Portimonense's 7-year top-division stay ends with relegation.
• Jorge Costa, AVS coach, becomes FC Porto's director of football.