English
Thrilling Match in Funchal Ends in Draw Amidst Incidents and Controversy
Funchal, Portugal – In a game filled with emotions and controversy, Nacional and Arouca drew at the Estádio da Madeira. The match, valid for the sixth round of the Primeira Liga, was marked by goals, cards, and a late VAR decision.
Nacional took an early lead with a goal by J. Ramirez in the fourth minute, following a missed penalty by the same player, who capitalized on the rebound. However, the game wasn’t without its challenges. Liziero received a yellow card in the fifth minute, setting a physical tone for the match.
In the second half, J. Ramirez reappeared, this time converting a penalty in the 66th minute, extending Nacional’s lead. However, Arouca reacted. B. Popovic scored in the 74th minute, assisted by N. Djouahra, giving hope to the home side.
The tension increased further when Matheus Dias of Nacional was sent off in the 79th minute. Arouca took advantage of the numerical superiority, and E. van Ee equalized in the 89th minute, assisted by I. Barbero.
In the final minutes, J. Ramirez of Nacional scored, but the goal was disallowed by VAR for offside. To make matters worse, J. Ramirez was cautioned in added time. To top it off, Fontan of Arouca, who already had a yellow card from the 57th minute, was booked again and sent off in the 85th minute.
Despite Nacional’s greater ball possession (58% against Arouca’s 42%), both teams displayed a competitive game. Nacional took 14 shots (6 on target), while Arouca attempted 10 (3 on target). The match concluded with a result that reflects the intensity and drama witnessed on the field.
Substitutions arouca: at minute 62 H. Lee came in and P. Gozalbez went out., at minute 71 D. Nandin came in and I. Barbero went out., at minute 71 A. Trezza came in and B. Mansilla went out., at minute 84 T. Fukui came in and E. van Ee went out., at minute 84 N. Djouahra came in and Puche went out.
Substitutions nacional: at minute 78 Pablo Ruan came in and Witi went out., at minute 82 C. Labidi came in and Ulisses went out., at minute 88 Leo Santos came in and F. Soares went out.
The teams lined up as follows:
Nacional
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