Sometimes, the real drama unfolds away from the bright lights of a league match. It happens in the quiet corners of a training ground, during a friendly game. This past Friday morning at the Arouca Municipal Stadium, FC Arouca pulled off a 2-1 comeback victory against Ac. Viseu in just such an encounter. This wasn’t just about the score; it was about Arouca’s coach, Vasco Seabra, giving valuable playing time to those squad members who don’t always start.
The first half passed without much fanfare, the scoreboard staying blank. But the second half brought all the action. Ac. Viseu was the first to strike, with midfielder João Guilherme putting the visitors ahead in the 53rd minute. Their lead, however, was short-lived, lasting less than fifteen minutes. Arouca responded forcefully. Alfonso Trezza netted the equalizer in the 68th minute, bringing the home side level. The momentum had clearly shifted. Just four minutes later, Barbero sealed the deal, scoring the winning goal for “the wolves,” as Arouca is known, and fixing the final score at 2-1.
Both teams now turn their attention to the Taça de Portugal, the nation’s premier cup competition. Arouca, the side from the Serra da Freita region, will travel to face Portimonense on the 19th. Ac. Viseu has its own challenge a day later, squaring off against Gil Vicente. These matches are crucial third-round ties in the coveted “queen competition.”