A third-tier Portuguese football club, Sintrense, has stunned top-flight Rio Ave with a 3-2 victory in the Taça de Portugal, setting up a “dream” clash against giants FC Porto in the next round.
The upset came in the competition’s third round, where Sintrense, from Portugal’s Campeonato de Portugal league, overcame an early deficit to secure their unlikely win.
Sintrense coach David Maside, 38, expressed euphoria and disbelief following the match. He told reporters that the team was “still assimilating the victory” and had “not quite fallen into the reality” of facing FC Porto at their famed Dragão stadium.
Maside called the upcoming match against one of Portugal’s top teams a “gigantic prize.” He indicated the squad needed time to digest the win before focusing on the next challenge.
Sintrense captain Rodrigo Luís, 24, echoed the coach’s excitement, calling the opportunity to play at the Dragão a “dream for any Portuguese or foreign player.” The central defender expressed confidence, adding, “We hope it will be us who pass to the next phase.”
Luís also highlighted the team’s desire to translate their cup success into their league form. Sintrense has faced “difficulties in being consistent” in the Campeonato de Portugal.
Coach Maside attributed the team’s success to the strong “union” and mutual support within the group, calling it their “great secret.”