Leixões' Mota running smoothly in Portugal

Level on points
The Matsinhos side returned to the Liga last season for the first time since their relegation in 1988/89, and only avoided relegation in the final rounds of the campiagn. However, this time around they find themselves level on 13 points with CD Nacional at the top of the league after six fixtures ahead of a home meeting with their coach's boyhood club FC Paços de Ferreira.

'My first time'
Their last game was arguably their best yet, as they won 3-2 against champions FC Porto at the Estádio de Dragão, with midfielder Bruno Braga scoring twice. "To win at the Dragão is not something you achieve often," beamed Mota. "In fact it was my first time and for the players also. It was a fair result, because we managed to score three goals, neutralise Porto's strengths and stay organised."

European jaunt
This was not the first Leixões victory at Porto. The old Estádio das Antas witnessed the club's greatest achievement to date as they won the 1960/61 Portuguese Cup, beating the home club 2-0 in the final. That victory launched Leixões into the 1961/62 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup where they battled their way to the quarter-finals, losing out to SC Motor Jena.

Recent attempt
More recently, the club – which celebrated their centenary last November – qualified for the 2002/03 UEFA Cup as a second-division side, after losing to league champions Sporting Clube de Portugal in the 2001/02 Portuguese Cup final. However, despite a qualifying round victory against F.Y.R. Macedonia's FK Belasica GC, PAOK FC of Greece proved too strong in the first round.

Loyal supporters
Talk of a return to UEFA competition next season is still not on the agenda, but more European nights would be fair reward for the club's famously loyal fans who continued to flock to Leixões games even after they dropped out of the Liga. The current team's industrious approach reflects that gritty spirit, with flair in the form of Bruno Braga and four-goal striker Wesley.

'Our limitations'
However, while Leixões are clearly enjoying their finest run of results for a long time, Mota is adamant that avoiding relegation remains their first target for the season. "The most important thing at this stage is to look at our points total, not our place in the table," he said. "We know our limitations and we have to be humble. All I ask is that we show the same attitude every time."