Hóquei Clube de Turquel, a small Portuguese team known as the “hockey village,” delivered a stunning upset against two-time champions FC Porto, showcasing a potent mix of local identity and young talent early in the season.
The team secured a 4-3 home victory against FC Porto. This resilience followed a challenging start to the Campeonato Placard, Portugal’s top league, where they suffered a 5-0 defeat to Benfica in their opening match.
Over 1,000 fans packed the pavilion for the FC Porto game. This full house underscored the deep community connection and passion for the sport in Turquel.
Coach André Luís, a Turquel veteran who played for the club for 30 years, emphasized the team’s unique “DNA.” More than 50 percent of the current squad are homegrown players from Turquel’s academy.
“These athletes have a very strong sense of belonging to the club,” Luís said. “Having these people attracts more fans to the pavilion. This makes all the family members come and we have a fantastic atmosphere at home.”
The goals against FC Porto highlighted the team’s diverse talent. Nineteen-year-old Argentine reinforcement Francisco ‘Panchi’ Briggs and 19-year-old loan player Martim Costa both scored. Academy products Daniel Passos, 24, and captain Tiago Mateus, 26, also found the net.
Luís noted the young players bring an “irreverence” and fearless approach. He suggested this contrasts with what he described as overly tactical training sometimes seen in Portuguese hockey.
Despite the significant win, Luís maintained a realistic outlook. “It’s a victory that only counts for 3 points,” he stated. “We haven’t won anything and there are still 24 matchdays left. Our fight is usually not with these teams, but we want to reach this level.”
Turquel has proudly carried the nickname “hockey village” for generations. This identity remained even after the locality was elevated to town status in 1997.
Captain Tiago Mateus exemplifies this deep connection. He began skating at age two and always dreamed of playing for the senior team, idolizing local players as a child.
Coach Luís, a physical education teacher in the nearby town of Benedita, aims for the team to stabilize in the top division. He also expressed ambition for Turquel to “nip at the heels of playoff teams.”
The club’s youth academy is recognized as one of the country’s best. Diogo Rafael, the current captain of Benfica, is a notable success story who emerged from Turquel’s system.
Martim Costa, on loan from Benfica, has quickly adapted to his new environment. He moved from Lisbon to Turquel, sharing a home with fellow young players Briggs and Ezequiel Funes.
“I’m well settled, I like the people and the affection they give me,” Costa said. “I walk on the street and people always talk.”
Costa described his debut against FC Porto as “incredible.” He noted that winning against a major team felt special and that scoring a goal and playing well was very good for him personally.
His ultimate goal is to earn a permanent spot in Benfica’s first team. He cited Zé Miranda, a national team defender who previously gained minutes on loan, as an example to follow.
Costa describes himself as a “humble player with a desire to learn.” He considers Carlos Nicolía, whom he met at Benfica, his biggest hockey reference, and still seeks advice from him.