An upcoming Portuguese Cup clash against football giant Sporting CP is viewed primarily as a crucial financial lifeline and a historic event for the financially struggling fourth-tier club Marinhense, its president said on Monday.
Marinhense President João Carlos Pereira described the encounter as “more than a football game” and “a happy coincidence” for a club of their modest size. He strongly emphasized the financial relevance, citing the persistent difficulties small clubs face with limited revenues.
“It is very difficult to keep clubs functioning. It’s a business model without great revenues,” Pereira told the Lusa news agency. “It is difficult to manage, these are problems that have dragged on for many years.”
He added that while the club wants to enjoy the game, “the financial aspect of the game is relevant for us.” Marinhense, currently competing in Portugal’s fourth division, acknowledges the vast sporting disparity, with Pereira admitting they will have “few possibilities” against Sporting.
The match, part of the Portuguese Cup’s fourth round, will notably repeat a historic fixture from the 1964/65 competition.
In that earlier encounter, Marinhense secured a 2-1 away victory at Sporting’s Estádio José Alvalade in the second leg. However, they were eliminated on aggregate after a 4-0 home defeat in the first leg.
Pereira noted this history demonstrates Marinhense’s past competitiveness, a quality he believes the club has lost over recent decades. He recalled a time when the club, despite never reaching Portugal’s top league, had ambitions and attracted players from major teams like Benfica and Porto.
Beyond finances, the president expressed hopes the November match will serve to represent the city and area. It will also offer Marinhense fans an opportunity to visit a major, recently renovated stadium.
To reach this stage, Marinhense eliminated three lower-tier opponents: Samora Correia (after penalties), Mosteirense (6-0), and Anadia (after penalties).
Pereira, a former coach for other Portuguese clubs, mentioned a personal “happy coincidence” of never having lost at Estádio José Alvalade during his coaching career.