Tondela, a top-flight Portuguese club, secured a commanding 5-1 victory over fourth-tier Vila Real today, advancing to the fourth round of the Portuguese Cup after overcoming an early challenge.
The higher-ranked team asserted its dominance with goals from Yefrei Rodríguez, João Afonso, Yarlen, Jordan Siebatcheu, and Yaya Sithole. Vila Real’s lone goal came from a penalty by Chiquinho.
The match, played in the Trás-os-Montes region, saw Tondela take an early lead in the second minute through Yefrei Rodríguez.
However, Vila Real, playing with high intensity, equalized in the 30th minute when Chiquinho converted a penalty, bringing the score to 1-1.
Tondela regained the lead just before halftime, with João Afonso finding the net in stoppage time to make it 2-1.
The second half was largely controlled by Tondela, who scored two quick goals within two minutes. Yarlen struck in the 55th minute, followed immediately by Jordan Siebatcheu in the 56th, widening the gap to 4-1.
Yaya Sithole added Tondela’s fifth goal in the 84th minute, sealing the comprehensive win.
The game was held at the Complexo Desportivo do Monte da Forca in Vila Real, attracting approximately 1,000 spectators.
Coached by Ivo Vieira, Tondela received yellow cards for Pedro Maranhão and Hélder Tavares. Vila Real, led by Nuno Gonçalves, saw Lote booked, while substitute Mini received a direct red card from the bench.