A feisty encounter between Casa Pia and Arouca at the Estádio Municipal de Rio Maior ended with the home side clinching a 3-2 win in the Primeira Liga. Cassiano was the star of the afternoon, scoring twice, including a decisive penalty just before halftime. The match was marked by its high intensity and quick exchanges, keeping the fans on the edge of their seats.
First Half Frenzy Sets the Tone
The match burst into life early, with Arouca's I. Barbero opening the scoring in the 11th minute, thanks to an assist from Tiago Esgaio. Casa Pia swiftly responded as R. Brito levelled in the 21st minute, assisted by A. Conte. Cassiano then put Casa Pia ahead four minutes later, capitalizing on J. Livolant's smart play. An own goal by A. Conte in the 37th minute brought Arouca back into the game, but Cassiano's composed penalty in stoppage time restored Casa Pia's lead.
Second Half Defensive Stalwart
The second half saw fewer goal-scoring opportunities as both teams tightened up defensively. Casa Pia's Patrick Sequeira was exceptional in goal, making crucial saves to maintain the lead. Arouca pushed for an equalizer, utilizing their possession advantage and making strategic substitutions, but Casa Pia's defense held firm. The home side's resilience was tested but not broken, and they managed to see out the match without conceding further.
Statistical Insights Highlight Defensive Grit
Despite controlling 69% of the possession, Arouca struggled to find a breakthrough against Casa Pia's persistent defense. Both teams recorded four shots on target, showcasing the balance in attacking efforts. Casa Pia committed 15 fouls, reflecting their determination to disrupt Arouca's rhythm. Cassiano's standout performance was further emphasized by his two goals and a player rating of 8. Meanwhile, J. Sánchez's yellow card in the 6th minute set the tone for a combative contest.
Looking Ahead
This victory sees Casa Pia building momentum with crucial points as they aim for a strong finish to the season. Their recent form, including a notable win over FC Porto, suggests a team finding its stride at a pivotal moment. Arouca, despite their spirited display, will need to regroup after this narrow loss as they look to maintain their push in the league standings.
