Leça Beats Vitória Sernache on Penalties to Win Campeonato de Portugal

Leça secured promotion to Liga 3 after defeating Vitória de Sernache 5-4 on penalties following a 1-1 draw after extra time in the Portuguese promotion playoff final at Estádio Nacional in Oeiras. The match was decided by Martim Fortes, who converted the decisive spot-kick, while Henrique Cavalcante missed for Sernache, allowing Leça to claim the title and the final promotion place to the third tier.

Leça took the lead deep into first-half stoppage time, in the 45+4 minute, when Bernardo Mesquita broke free, was challenged in the box by Juan Muriel, and managed to lay the ball off for David Nzanza to score into an empty net. The goal reflected Leça’s attacking intent, as the Matosinhos club came into the final with the best attack in the competition, while Sernache had built its campaign on the strongest defensive record.

Vitória de Sernache responded after the break and equalized in the 70th minute from its first real chance of the game. A precise cross from the right found the far post area, where Henrique Cavalcante redirected the ball across goal for substitute Ekanga Ondoa to finish from close range and send the final into extra time.

The additional 30 minutes were tense and cautious, with both teams more concerned about avoiding defeat than forcing a winner. Leça had a slight edge in possession and territory, but neither side created enough clear chances to break the deadlock, and the match went to penalties.

In the shootout, Leça showed greater composure. Fábio Baldé opened the scoring, Bruno Paula replied, and the kicks continued level until Martim Fortes converted Leça’s fifth penalty. Henrique Cavalcante then failed to score Sernache’s final attempt, ending the contest and sparking Leça celebrations.

Along with Leça and Vitória de Sernache, Louletano and Vianense also earned promotion to Liga 3. The final was played before an estimated crowd of 5,000 spectators and officiated by João Matos of the Viana do Castelo Football Association. Leça’s squad included Miguel Paiva, Diogo Ribeiro, Fábio Baldé, Diogo Nunes, André Coutinho, Carlos Avelino, Bernardo, Nuno Pereira, Nicolas Reis, David Nzanza and Bernardo Mesquita, with Mika as head coach. Vitória de Sernache, coached by Natan Costa, featured João Lucas, Juan Muriel, Kevin Ibouka, Miguel Rosário, André Guedes, Edgar Moura, Diego Tavares, Roberto Embaló, Mauro Santos, André Dias and Henrique Cavalcante.

The victory capped a strong campaign for Leça and confirmed its return to the third tier after a hard-fought final decided only from the penalty spot.