28 August 2006, by Marco Pereira

Maritimo claim spoils in Madeira derby

Maritimo 1-0 Nacional

In the always highly contested derby of the island of Madeira, Maritimo overcame fellow islanders, Nacional, with a 1-0 victory.

The only goal of the game came in the 29th minute when Maritimo striker, Moukouri, chased down the ball before goalkeeper Diego Benaglio could smother it and rolled it in, just beating the desperate attempt by Nacional midfielder, Alonso, to clear.

Maritimo coach, Ulisses Morais, was jubilant after the match feeling that his team deserved all three points without question.

“We did well to control our emotions, we were rational and because of this I felt Maritimo deserved the victory. In the very beginning of the game we were disoriented, but we soon found our form, became stronger and more efficient at creating opportunities.”

“We did everything we could to add to the lead we had. We tried to find some holes or disorganisation in our opponents, but we could not find that second goal. I would like to congratulate the attitude of my players which was important to obtain all three points.”

Nacional coach, Carlos Brito, was happy with his team’s performance, but felt that a draw would have been more appropriate.

“I think the result that would have better depicted the game should have been a draw. I am not happy with the result, but I am immensely satisfied with the will and the way my players conducted themselves. It leaves me confident for the future.”

“We were the team that took the reins of the game, but the goal never came. We made them work hard, but I think, in general, the game was competitive, well played, within a healthy rivalry.”

Maritimo:
Marcos, Ze Gomes, Gregory, Milton do O, Evaldo, Wenio, Jardel (Fernando, 90), Andre Barreto, Marcinho, Kanu (Martin Prest, 73), Moukouri (Filipe Oliveira, 85)

Nacional:
Diego Benaglio, Patacas (Adriano, 76), Emerson Nunes, Avalos, Alonso, Cleber Oliveira, Chainho, Bruno, Luciano (Cassio, 63), Chilikov (Jose Vitor, 71), Serginho Baiano

Goals:
[1-0] Moukouri, 29