European Qualification for the usual relegation contender. Paços made a terrific season and was by far the sensation of the season, playing an attractive football while keeping an impressive run for quite a while. 53 points is an absolute record for the club.
No one would have thought this was going to be such a positive season after the first three rounds, when Paços picked only 1 point. However, ‘Castores’ would put out an impressive run from round 4 to round 18 with just 1 defeat (against Benfica).
Steam seemed to have ended for the second part of the season, where Pacenses picked 8 defeats, including 4 in a row in April. Paços paid the price for a significant short squad.
Douglas Tanque is the most obvious name to point out, with his 9 league goals (plus 2 in cup), but the true key of Paços’ success was an impressively solid, competent and creative midfield trio. The veteran Luiz Carlos was at his best, at 35, while Eustáquio and Bruno Costa certainly attracted attention for the next season.
Despite this season’s success, the team isn’t expected to keep the level for next year. Coach Pepa is leaving, and some important players should follow him. Playing in Europe will demand too much from a squad that isn’t likely to be very deep.
