Wrong decision takes away the championship!

Sport Lisboa e Benfica and Sporting CP, Match Day 26 of the Roller Hockey National Championship, playing the last match of the season.

On the field, two strong teams with a bunch of good players... as Benfica was depending on itself to reach the third title in a row... and it was supposed to be ours… when third parties came to scene!

Before this match, only two teams could be champions: Benfica or FC Porto! Both teams were on the top of the table with the same points, although Benfica was leading the head-to-head (won in Luz, 7-4 and lost in Dragão Caixa, 9-7). The same is to say that we had only to win the last match against Sporting in order to get our 24^th title.

 In Pavilhão de Alverca, completely sold out, an intense match inside and outside the field, with a cunning refereeing since the beginning.

 Questionable penalty for Sporting. Sérgio Miras scores after re-taking it (!!). But Nicolia equalizes in a blink of an eye.

 Before the halftime, Caio scored the 2-1...  while two clear penalties, over Adroher and Diogo Rafael, were not seen by the referees.

 On the second half, João Pinto scored the 3-1; Sérgio Miras, with a great individual move made the 4-1 and Diogo Rafael reduced the difference to 4-2, with ten minutes left to play.

 As the eagles were up in the field, João Pinto scored the 5-2, but Benfica never stopped believing! João Rodrigues scored the 5-3; Nicolia the 5-4 and João Rodrigues the equalizer with only one minute to go. Tremendous!!!

 With 23 seconds left, João Rodrigues scored the 6-5 and it was time for celebrations! Benfica was Tricampeão Nacional (three times champion in a row). But, during the celebrations, the referee came back with his decision and ruled out the goal! Unbelievable decision as the goal was more than clear!

 With this result, SL Benfica finishes the Campeonato Nacional on the 2^nd place. FC Porto is National Champion, in a Championship decided by an inexplicable decision, which took away our 24^th title.

  Benfica's Lineup: Guillem Trabal, Valter Neves, Diogo Rafael, Carlos Nicolia and João Rodrigues

 Now it comes the Portuguese Cup Final Four. SL Benfica faces FC Porto while SC Tomar plays against AE Física. The winner of each match will play the final.

SA

Fotos: João Paulo Trindade / SL Benfica