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20 November 2006, by Marco Pereira

Futre’s nephew announces himself as future star

Aves 3-1 Nacional

Desportivo das Aves registered their first win of the season and did it in fine form as they trounced Nacional 3-1 at Vila das Aves. The home team came from behind after an early Anunciacao own goal. Artur Futre, nephew of former Portugal star Paulo Futre, announced his arrival in the top flight with two goals, and Vitor Manuel scored his team’s third.

The win was all the more impressive as Nacional have been one of the hotter teams in the Liga over the past month. The islanders had won 5 of their last 6 league games, drawing the other, and their last defeat had come at the hands of Benfica way back in September.

Aves were determined to get things right this time round as they looked the better team in the opening twenty minutes of the match. Futre, Octavio and Marcelo all had shots on goal, making sure that Nacional goalkeeper Diego was kept busy. Their closest effort came in the 24th minute when Octavio failed an easy tap in with the net wide open.

Aves’ failure to capitalise on early chances came to haunt them in the 26th minute when Filipe Anunciaco headed the ball into the back of his own net from a harmless Patacas cross. At that point Aves must have been thinking they were in for another long night.

Nacional, boosted by the goal, looked to go two up four minutes later as Bruno Amaro’s free kick did not miss by much. None of this discouraged the home side and they equalised just before the break when Artur Futre danced past a Nacional defender and showing nerves of steel the youngster sent the ball into the back of the net.

The second half started with Jose Vitor fluffing a glorious chance, shooting over the crossbar with no goalkeeper to beat. Nacional wanted the three points as Bruno Amaro’s shot from distance six minutes later skimmed the Aves’ post.

Artur Futre then sent a screamer towards Diego which the keeper managed to keep out with difficulty. In the 61st minute, Artur Futre, playing in a style his famous uncle would have been proud off, notched his brace when he latched onto a Xano rebound to put his team into the lead.

Having taken the lead Aves went for the kill and Hernani almost scored twice before Freddy forced Diego into an excellent save. Five minutes from time, euphoria broke out for Aves as they put the game away when Vitor Manuel got the insurance goal and sealed the team’s first win of the season.

Aves will hope the win signals the start of a new cycle, while Nacional fly back home to lick their wounds.

Neca, Aves coach:

“Finally we knew how to write a victory in the Liga. The players richly deserve this achievement. We started well, created two or three opportunities, but we did not score due to merit of their excellent goalkeeper. Afterwards we conceded an unbelievable own goal.”

“Before the break, we managed to score an excellent goal through Artur Futre and in the second half we maintained our good attacking level. We scored the second goal and created two or three more dangerous goalscoring opportunities before putting the game away. I believe that Aves were a solid team tonight who gave everything and showed enormous determination.”

Carlos Brito, Nacional coach:

“Firstly, I have to congratulate Aves who were better today. Secondly, I have to say that it was an unhappy match for Nacional. Today everything went well for Aves, perhaps they played their best game of the season. In four shots, they scored three goals.”

“But today we did not deserve to win, even a draw would be too much. But I must say to my players that they cannot be disheartened because in the next game I certainly would like to see them clean up this less than dignified image they left today.”

Aves:
Rui Faria, Sergio Carvalho, William, Sergio Nunes, Bruno Fernandes, Filipe Anunciacao, Marcelo Henrique, Leandro (Vitor Manuel, 78), Artur Futre (Hernani, 69), Xano, Octavio (Freddy, 58)
Yellow Cards: Octavio (8), Filipe Anunciacao (23), Xano (66), Freddy (80)

Nacional:
Diego Benaglio, Patacas, Ricardo Fernandes, Fernando Cardozo, Alonso, Cleber Oliveira, Chainho (Juliano Spadacio, 57), Bruno Amaro, Jose Vitor (Luciano 63), Rodrigo Silva, Ricardo Pateiro (Cassio, 68)
Yellow Cards: Patacas (23)

Goals:
[0-1] Filipe Anunciacao, 26 (o.g.)
[1-1] Artur Futre, 43
[2-1] Artur Futre, 61
[3-1] Vitor Manuel, 85