Larrazabal and Ofori goals keep Casa Pia in Portugal’s top flight
Celebration on one side, heartbreak on the other. Casa Pia secured their place in the Primeira Liga for next season after defeating Torreense in the decisive promotion/relegation play-off, while the club from Torres Vedras missed the chance to return to the Portuguese top flight for the first time since the 1991/92 season.
After a goalless first leg played more than a week earlier, Torreense entered the decisive encounter full of confidence. Luís Tralhão’s side arrived boosted not only by the possibility of promotion but also by the historic Portuguese Cup triumph achieved just days earlier, when they stunned Sporting with a dramatic 2-1 extra-time victory at the iconic Jamor Stadium.
Torreense started strongly but lacked precision
Fuelled by confidence and emotion, Torreense began the match aggressively and attempted to score early, much like they had done against Sporting in the cup final.
Dany Jean, Musa Drammeh and Javi Vázquez all came close during a frantic opening spell. The Spanish left-back almost produced one of the goals of the season with an audacious effort from inside his own half, forcing Patrick Sequeira into a rapid retreat and spectacular save.
Casa Pia gradually settled into the match and, after weathering the early pressure, Álvaro Pacheco’s side began to create opportunities of their own. Dailon Livramento and Khaly both threatened before Larrazabal finally broke the deadlock.
After good work from Kevin Prieto, the Spanish winger fired a clinical finish beyond Lucas Paes to put Casa Pia ahead before half-time.
Ofori seals Casa Pia’s survival
The second half remained intense and highly competitive, with Torreense pushing hard for an equaliser despite showing visible signs of fatigue after their exhausting cup final triumph only three days earlier.
The blue-and-burgundy side continued to attack through the wings and central areas, but lacked efficiency in the final third. Casa Pia, meanwhile, defended with discipline and organisation.
Alejandro Alfaro tested the goalkeeper from distance on two occasions, but Torreense were punished for their missed opportunities.
During a quick transition attack, Korede Osundina produced excellent work down the left flank before setting up Lawrence Ofori, who calmly finished to seal the victory in the 78th minute.
Pride for Torreense despite painful defeat
Casa Pia’s two decisive “goose pecks” guaranteed another season among Portugal’s elite, while Torreense left the pitch with pride despite the disappointment.
The club fought until the final whistle and came agonisingly close to writing another historic chapter after an already unforgettable season.
Coaches react after emotional play-off battle
Álvaro Pacheco (Casa Pia coach)
“We had several scoring opportunities in the first half and could have gone into the break with a bigger advantage. We were intelligent in the second half and eventually finished the game with another goal. We deserved to stay in the Liga.”
Luís Tralhão (Torreense coach)
“What I feel most is pride for what we achieved. A few months ago it seemed impossible that we would be fighting for promotion and winning the Portuguese Cup. We were not inferior to Casa Pia across the two matches. The group truly believed it could achieve promotion.”
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