Marítimo clinch maiden win against Club Brugge

CS Marítimo beat Club Brugge KV 1-0 in Funchal to sign off from the UEFA Europa League with a first Group D victory.

Both sides were already certain of elimination, leaving only pride at stake, and it was the visitors who were consigned to bottom spot courtesy of Heldon's 87th-minute winner. That came just two minutes after Lior Refaelov's spot-kick for Club Brugge had cancelled out Gonçalo Abreu's first-half header.

Opportunities were at a premium during a tight opening 45 minutes in which possession was traded more regularly than shots. Spilled crosses by the goalkeepers at either end brought half-chances for first Thomas Meunier then Marítimo's Semedo, but both flashed wide with the man between the posts prone.

The half's only other genuine chance brought the opening goal, as the hosts forced a corner and Abreu rose practically unchallenged at the near post to angle an excellent header inside the far upright from Luís Olim's delivery.

Shortly after the restart, Bojan Jorgačević was called into action from a long-range Sami effort, and João Guilherme whipped a free-kick wide as Marítimo sought to double their lead, but it was a resurgent Club Brugge who came closest to scoring. The lively Mohamed Tchite burst into the area from the right flank and forced Romain Salin to beat away his angled drive.

Club Brugge had the wind in their sails, and their increased pressure drew a penalty from a flustered home defence five minutes from time, Refaelov stroking the ball inside the right post for a deserved equaliser.

Out of the blue, though, Marítimo were ahead again just moments later. From the right flank, Briguel played a clever pass into the box with the outside of his right foot, which somehow evaded everyone to reach the back post. Heldon met the ball with a diving header, sending it back across goal and beyond Jorgačević.