Vitória: Dreams of victory — Terrace Edition

Words: Gil Pereira

Images: Gil Pereira

Vitória Futebol Clube, from the city of Setúbal, has a history that few clubs in Portugal can challenge. The "Sadinos", nicknamed after the river Sado, have participated in the first division for an incredible 72 seasons.

Regarding of titles, Vitória has won one Taça da Liga and three Taças de Portugal, a number that might seem low, but in Portuguese reality, it is impressive.

However, the Estádio do Bonfim club is one of the fallen giants in the country. The fall's reason was the failure to comply with the requirements to remain in professional championships for financial reasons in 2019-20.

Thus, after surviving relegation in the first tier by just one point, the bomb fell on the city shortly after, and Vitória would be playing in the third division for the first time in their more than century-old history.

Last year didn't get any better, as after three seasons at that level they got once again relegated, this time due to on-field performances. Nonetheless, this season, playing in the Campeonato de Portugal, the fourth tier, "Sadinos" were on track to make a comeback to Liga 3.

They guaranteed the promotion and a place in the division final. However, a few days after losing the final in Jamor, another setback hit the club. In the same way, as in 2020, Vitória was once again relegated due to financial problems. This time destination is the sixth division, the lowest tier possible.

Their fan base hasn't left, despite all the problems. Vows of love for the club emerged after the announcement of the decision. Setúbal hopes to see Vitória a step closer to the reality that the club lived through all its history.

For some, their best moment of its glory is the two cup wins in the '60s; some may pick the back-to-back quarter-finals in the UEFA Cup in the 70s; for others, it is the upset against Benfica in 2005 in the final of the Taça de Portugal; and for the younger ones, a comeback to the Portuguese elite is the best achievement that they can wish for.

©Gil Pereira/ Terrace Edition. Vitória Futebol Clube.

You can find Gil on X: @gil_pereira8 and Instagram: @gil.pereira8

Vitória Futebol Clube are on X: @oficialvfc

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