Brazilian defender Alexsandro attributes his later success with a French club and the national team to a “magical” and challenging promotion season with Portuguese side Chaves.
Alexsandro, 26, is currently in his fourth season with French club Lille. During his time there, he has achieved his dream of playing for the Brazilian national team and participating in the Champions League.
He recently reflected on his impactful 2021-2022 season with Chaves on the Liga Portugal ‘Sem Filtros’ podcast. He described that year as “magical” for himself, his teammates, and the “wonderful small city” of Chaves.
He praised the “passionate fans” of Chaves for their support. “It is a defining moment in my career that I will never forget,” Alexsandro said. “I am sure that is the case for all the people of Trás-os-Montes.”
Chaves narrowly missed automatic promotion on the penultimate matchday of the 2021-2022 Second League season. This forced them into a playoff against Moreirense, which they won 2-1 on aggregate.
Alexsandro described the playoff period as “two very intense weeks.” He revealed he sustained a minor injury in the first leg at home but continued playing despite the pain, making him a doubt for the decisive away match.
“I wanted to give promotion to Chaves,” he stated, explaining his determination. Chaves secured a crucial 2-0 victory in the first leg at their home stadium in Trás-os-Montes.
“I took the medication I had to take, and all that fear and tension I had stayed on the field,” he recalled. “We were crowned with promotion, and I was man of the match. It was a unique moment for me.”
During the promotion celebration, Alexsandro notably rode a bicycle to the Estádio Engº Manuel Branco Teixeira. He also credited captain LuÃs Rocha, his defensive partner, calling him “number one, my captain.”
Alexsandro expressed gratitude to coach VÃtor Campelos. “He was someone who stayed on my case, quite annoying, but he helped me a lot,” Alexsandro said of Campelos. “I cannot forget him. Between individual work and extra work, I gave my all to evolve and fulfill the club’s dream. Everything worked out.”