A game of two halves

Sunday afternoon in Faro had all the ingredients of a memorable match. A 15:30 kickoff at the Estádio de São Luís, warm light over the Algarve, and a crowd eager to see Farense back to their best. What followed was one of those games that reminds you why you love football — a true tale of two halves.

The first 45 minutes were rough for Farense. Their defense struggled to contain Benfica B’s pace and movement, and within a short spell, they were three goals down. The atmosphere in the stands grew tense — frustration, complaints, and disbelief. It felt like one of those afternoons that would get away from them completely.

But football can change fast. At halftime, Farense made a couple of substitutions and came out with renewed energy. The first goal, a solid finish from Franco Romero, sparked life into both the players and the fans. Suddenly, there was belief again.

Franco Romero celebrates scoring Farense’s first goal

A few minutes later, substitute André Candeias made it 3–2, and the Estádio de São Luís began to roar. The momentum was completely shifting. When another substitute, Rui Costa, threw himself at a cross and equalized with a diving header, the comeback felt inevitable.

André Candéias scored the second goal for Farense

Then came the magic moment. In the 88th minute, Rui Costa again connected with a diving header — the keeper managed to save it, but Diego Dorregaray was there to smash in the rebound. 4–3. The stadium exploded. Players, fans, and staff were all celebrating one of the most dramatic turnarounds of the season.

Diego Dorregaray celebrates scoring the match-winning goal in the 88th minute

For me, it was a joy to cover. These are the matches that make sports photography so special — emotion, intensity, and unpredictability all in one afternoon. Always great to be back at São Luís, meet fellow photographers, and capture moments that tell the story of football’s incredible highs and lows.

The players, staff and fans all went crazy after the Farense comeback