I follow the entire Liga Sagres, and I never really supported anyone, though I've always liked Benfica because of supporters in my family. I chose to follow Leiria more closely for two reasons: they're not one of the big three; and I was born in the region.
Week 3 U.Leiria 0-0 Maritimo Another week, another draw. UDL is having a tough time on offense. They held the possession advantage, but it didn't help. The team is now tied for seventh with three points. They'll look for their first win in two weeks when they visit Vitoria Sebutal.
Week 4 Setubal 0-4 U.Leiria O Lis get their first win of the year. It's tough to get a read on the team after this game. Setubal is strugging. Still, it was a nice win on the road, and anytime you can score four goals, you've got to be pleased. Next up, a visit from Benfica.
Week 5 U.Leiria 1-2 Benfica Leiria continues to play fairly well. They got some help on a Benfica own goal, but overall, they played a good game. A late penalty was the difference here. The team stands at six points, tied with Olhanense for sixth spot. Next up is a visit to Guimaraes.
That Andre Santos is one VERY impressive young centre midfielder. He rarely fails a path, and hes bery skillfull on the ball and at reading the play. Wonder how long they can keep hold of him.
Week 6 Guimaraes 2-2 U.Leiria Leiria will be a bit disappointed in not coming away with the three points. They played a good game. Roberto scored a late goal for the home side to give them the draw. O Lis remains unbeaten on the road. They are at seven points and in a tie for 6th in the league. A trip to Leixoes is next.
Week 7 Leixoes 3 - 2 Uniao de Leiria Tough result in this one as a penalty shot in the 90th minute gives Leixoes the win. The home side quickly answered Leiria's scores twice, Leo's goal after Carlao's in the first half and Ze Manel's goal following Benitez's in the second. Leiria remains at seven points and is now tied for eighth. They wil host Naval after the international break.
Week 8 Leiria 2-0 Naval Leiria gets its first home win of the year. They scored early and held. Carlao and Cassio were the scorers. Disappointing crowd of 946. They are hanging tough and stand at 10 points, tied for sixth. Next up is a trip to Pacos de Ferreira.
Week 9 P.Ferreira 0-1 U.Leiria Cassio scored the only goal of the game in the 17th minute. Pacos controlled possession, especially in the second half as Leiria played to hold the lead. Leiria is tied for 6th with 13 points.
Week 10 Leiria 1-1 Academica I'm not sure if the teams wanted drama, but they got it. After going scoreless for 89 minutes, things went a bit crazy. Cris scored what looked like the game winner for Academica in the 89th minute. Leiria's Diego Gaucho answered two minutes into stoppage time to seal the draw. Leiria currently sits in seventh place with 14 points.
Week 11 Braga 2-0 Leiria Not a big surprise here. League leader Braga controlled the game. They scored just six minutes in and never looked back. Leiria remains at 14 points and drops to eighth place. Next up is a visit from Nacional.
Week 12 Leiria 1-2 Nacional A late goal by Felipe Lopes give the visitors the win in this one. Edgar scored in the 16th minute for Nacional. Leiria evened thing up shorty after halftime on a goal by Pateiro. Leiria remains in 8th place with 14 points. They'll travel to Sporting next.
Week 13 Sporting 0-1 Leiria A goal by Paulo Vinicius in the 27th minute got Leiria a surprise win on the road in Lisbon. O Lis focused on a counter-attack. Sporting struggled to get chances, though they put on good pressure in the second half. Leiria is now in eighth place at 17 points. They'll host Belenenses next.
Week 14 Leiria 1-0 Belenenses Cassio scored in the 63rd minute to seal the win for Leiria. The home team controlled possession in the first half, but Belenenses held the ball more in the second. Leiria was a bit more aggessive defensively at the end of the game, and they racked up three yellow cards in the last 15 minutes. The team is at 20 points and moves up to sixth place in the table. Next up is a visit to Porto.
Looks like Leiria will no longer be playing at Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa, a stadium built for Euro 2004. Stating they cant pay the 250,000 euros anually. http://www.arttedofutebol.com/2010/06/uniao-de-leiria-anuncia-mudanca-do.html
Anybody see this kid play? What a talent! Where the hell is our scouts?? He put on a performance against Academica. http://www.zerozero.pt/jogador/ruben_brigido/2010_2011/ficha/140/default/122302 Yes, a former sporting talent.
Yeah they put a 15 million release clause on him in August. His nickname is the "Portuguese Nedved", lets hope turns out to be a solid player.