Last-gasp Esmael goal makes history for Rio Ave

Last-gasp Esmael goal makes history for Rio Ave

Vila do Conde side in the Europa League group stage

Just when the bumper crowd of over 8,000 had all but given up hope of seeing their side make the group stage of the Europa League, a stoppage-time Esmael goal triggered an explosion of joy among the home supporters as Rio Ave beat Elfsborg 1-0 to win the play-off on away goals after a 2-2 aggregate score.

It was an even tie througout the two legs, with Rio Ave coach Pedro Martins admitting: "I thought we were the better side over the 180 minutes, although only marginally, and we deserve this minor miracle of a goal in the 92nd minute."

Earlier in the evening Nacional had lost 3-2 in Madeira to Dinamo Minsk, to exit the competition 5-2 on aggregate. Rio Ave - in this phase of the competition for the first time in their history - and Estoril will be Portugal's representatives in the group stage of the 2014/15 Europa League.

Watch the moment that will live with Rio Ave fans forever: