Nacional v Vilafranquense

6pm 19 October 2022

Portugal, Liga 2
Nacional 1 Vilafranquense 1 (att 623)

There are two ‘big’ teams in Madeira, and as luck would have it both had home fixtures during our stay on the island. Nacional, currently in Portugal’s second tier league, are based at the Estádio da Madeira, high on a mountain top above Funchal.

I’d read that reaching it, even in a hire care, could be challenging. I eschewed the direct road, and its very steep ascent, and instead took the longer and winding route.

Ten euros were enough for a ticket, and a couple more secured a space in the below ground car park. Despite the bargain prices the crowd was small, probably not helped by Nacional’s poor start to the season.

Most spectators were housed in a modern main stand that runs the length of the pitch, while a few dozen had seats in a mostly uncovered stand on the opposite side. Both ends are open, which does allow for nice views.

It was all rather low key. For the first two-thirds of the game it seemed those who’d stayed away had made a wise choice. Vilafranquense hit a post early on, but it took until the 62nd minute for a meaningful shot on target, and that was easily gathered by the Nacional keeper.

A goalless draw looked a certainty, until a Nacional free kick, on the edge of the penalty area, was rifled into the corner of the net five minutes from time.

But in stoppage time the visitors levelled. Frustrating for the Madeira side but more than justified on the balance of play. It was also just reward for the handful of Vilfranquense fans who’d travelled to a distant Atlantic outpost to watch their team. The players rightfully came over and applauded them at the end.