Tondela managed to save the year in the very last match of the season, after being thought to be relegated many rounds before the end of the season.
From very early on, Tondela began what was a very hard season. Last season’s saviour, coach Petit, was now unable to give the team a much needed stability and a good idea for a game plan. As a result, Tondela accumulated bad results one after the other and, by the time the league was on its 28th round, Tondela was last in the table, with only 17 points (3 victories and 8 draws). However, just like last year, a more furious and heartful approach, rather than a cerebral one gave Tondela a sudden vigorous last breath, and ‘Beirões’ completed the last 6 matches of the season summing 5 wins and only one defeat. In the last round of the season, Tondela were below the relegation line, and were hosting strong team Braga. Winning was mandatory, but also either Moreirense or Arouca had to lose their match. A great 2-0 home win against Braga seemed to be useless, since Moreirense was also having a surprise win over Porto. But Arouca was losing by a two goals margin, exactly the scenario Tondela needed to clinch a presence in next season of Portuguese Top Flight.
There was never a true identity to the team, with many changes in formation and first choices. But some players did gather some attention. Pacey forward John Murillo, despite some selfish approaches at times, was the main attacking weapon of the team. Pedro Nuno was an important unit after arriving in January, giving the midfield some creativity that added to Bruno Monteiro and especially Hélder Gonçalves hardworking and consistent style. But the very one player that shined way higher than anybody else in the squad during the entire season was goalkeeper Cláudio Ramos. The 25-year old is probably the only player of the squad with enough quality to dream about playing in higher stages, and he surely demonstrated it this season.
