League relegates Vitoria Setubal and Aves to the third division, Portimonense saved

In an extraordinary development, Portimonense have been saved from relegation due to the Portuguese league’s exclusion of Vitoria Setubal and Desportivo das Aves from professional football.

In dramatic fashion, the league have taken the decision to demote both Setubal and Aves to the third tier of the domestic game, the Campeonato de Portugal, with immediate effect - though both clubs have the opportunity to appeal the decision.

Vitoria de Setubal saved themselves from relegation on the very last day of the 2019-20 Primeira Liga season, beating Belenenses SAD to maintain their place in the Portuguese top flight at the expense of Portimonense, to the delight of their loyal fans.

However, due to issues with licensing and finances, Vitoria Setubal, alongside Aves, have been prevented from competing in either the Primeira Liga or the Segunda Liga next season, and have thus not only been automatically relegated, but have actually dropped into the third division.

Setubal, who have been in the Portuguese Primeira Liga for the last 17 years without exception, have never played in the third tier of Portuguese football in their entire 110-year history, and are one of the most historic emblems in the Portuguese game.

With three Portuguese Cup titles to their name, their most recent triumph coming in 2005, and one League Cup title coming in 2008, they are, outside the Big Three of Benfica, Porto and Sporting, one of the most successful and reputable clubs in the country.

Their best spell came in the 1960s and early 70s, when they achieved 9 consecutive top 5 finishes in the Primeira Liga, finishing 3rd on three occasions and as high as 2nd in 1972.

Aves, meanwhile, were already relegated from the Primeira Liga, having finished the season on just 17 points and having faced significant financial difficulties. They, however, have also tasted success, and won the Portuguese Cup against the odds as recently as 2018, defeating Lisbon giants Sporting CP in the process.

Portimonense, who finished in the final relegation spot on the final day of the season, one point behind Vitoria Setubal and were set to drop into the Portuguese second tier alongside Aves, have escaped the drop, and will be playing Primeira Liga football next campaign.

Additionally, Casa Pia and Cova de Piedade, who were originally relegated from the Portuguese second division, will now maintain their status in the II Liga.