7pm 23 October 2022
Supertaça Madeira at CSD Câmara de Lobos
Pontassolense 0 Caniçal 0, 4-5 on penalties (att 500)
Below the top four levels the game in Portugal is run by district football associations. I thought my chances of a local game were slim as the domestic Madeira league didn't begin until after our stay, but then this fixture appeared.
The 'super cup' pitted last season's Madeira league champions, Pontassolense, against the island's cup winners Caniçal. The venue was a neutral one, the home of CSD Câmara de Lobos, just outside Funchal.
Surprisingly admission was free, and when the gates were eventally opened, about 20 minutes before kick off, a large crowd poured in. Most of the supporters seemed to be from Caniçal. They certainly made the most noise and spectacle, with drums, flags and a loudhailer to accompany their singing.
They kept up their vocal encouragement throughout the game, even though their side was very much second best over 90 minutes. Pontassolense twice hit the woodwork, and missed two open goals, while the cup winners created little.
By the end a goalless outcome was inevitable. Fortunately, as I had plans for dinner, the match went straight to penalties rather than extra time.
Both sides missed their opening spot kicks, then each was scored until Pontassolense's decisive miss. It sparked a joyous pitch invasion by celebrating Caniçal fans.
The Estádio de Câmara de Lobos has a single large seated stand, with about 20 rows of seats. The artificial pitch is surrounded by a running track. As far as I can tell the host club were relegated back to Madeiran football last season.
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