CD Tondela suffer relegation from Primeira Liga for the first time alongside B-SAD
CD Tondela’s proud record of having never been relegated from the Primeira Liga came to an end on the final day of the 2021-22 season after being held to a 2-2 draw versus Boavista.
Tondela knew that a victory would guarantee them a place above the automatic relegation zone at the end of the campaign - and that any slip-up would open the door for Moreirense to potentially capitalise.
And Ricardo Sa Pinto’s side were in a rampant mood against the 10 men of Vizela, racing to a 3-0 lead after just half an hour before winning 4-1 at full time.
Despite the pressure of knowing victory was now an absolute necessity, Tondela managed to pull in front in their own fixture shortly before half time before being pegged back thanks to an effort bundled in by Gorre after 50 minutes.
Tondela thought they had done enough with just 13 minutes left on the clock though, Joao Pedro rifling in a sensational low drive to re-establish the lead for the hosts, but players and fans alike were left in tears at full-time after a late goal from Njie confirmed their descent for the first time since being promoted to the top flight in 2015.
Tondela’s season is far from over though, knowing that a cup final against league champions FC Porto awaits them. Victory in that will see them make history by winning their first ever major trophy, and would also ensure that they play in next season’s Europa League group stage despite by then being a second tier outfit.
B-SAD also suffered relegation to the second division, a 0-0 draw against Arouca on the final day sealing their place as the bottom-placed side with just 26 points.
