Football Season Guide

Arouca finished 3rd last season in Série B and had to play the playoff against the top flight 'habitués' Rio Ave. Arouca surprised everyone by smashing their opponents over the 2 legs, picking up a final aggregate of 5-0. Armando Evangelista will continue at the helm and will try to cope with the new challenge of playing in top flight. It will be Armando's debut at the top division of his country. Arouca will remain almost unchanged from the team that got promoted last season. Midfielder Eugeni Valderrama seems a serious new signing and is expected to be the mastermind of Arouca's attacks. Brazilian João Basso is the reference at the back, while a constant presence on the scoreboard, mostly due to being an expert penalty taker. Right-back Thales is also an important unit and a group leader. Vítor Braga is the name for the goal. Leandro Silva and Pedro Moreira will be Eugeni's close supports in midfield. Marco Soares' experienced and Pité's gifted left foot will be very useful. There are 4 important names for the 3 positions in attack. Bukia can decided games but lacks regularity. Adílio's intensity and André Silva good finishing skills will be very important. Arsénio is perhaps the "plus" in quality for Arouca's attacks, this season.