César Peixoto proud after Gil Vicente's victory over Sp. Braga: "We played like a big team"

Portugal - Ekhbary News Agency

César Peixoto Proud After Gil Vicente's Victory Over Sp. Braga: "We Played Like a Big Team"

Gil Vicente manager César Peixoto radiated pride after his team secured a significant victory over rivals Sp. Braga in a thrilling Primeira Liga encounter. Peixoto lauded the performance as "perfectly just" and commended the collective spirit and disciplined execution displayed by his players throughout the match. He articulated that the team possesses a distinct "DNA" and a mindset that consistently translates into tangible results on the field, moving beyond mere words.

Addressing the post-match press conference, Peixoto highlighted his team's offensive prowess and tactical acumen. "We were the most dangerous team on the pitch, even though Sp. Braga started the game better," he stated. The Portuguese coach pointed to the crucial halftime adjustments as a catalyst for their improved second-half performance, which saw the team adopt a more aggressive stance. "We made a small correction at halftime and became more aggressive. This process, for me, is very important. The team feels light, confident, and liberated, and here, we played just like the big teams," Peixoto elaborated, underscoring the team's elevated mentality.

While celebrating the immediate triumph, Peixoto also reflected on the club's broader objectives. He reiterated that securing a place in the Primeira Liga has always been the primary goal for the club's hierarchy, emphasizing its importance for sustainability. "The first focus, staying in the league, has been achieved, and the club is now taking giant steps towards its sustainability," he noted. Despite this foundational success, Peixoto expressed an openness to further growth and development, indicating that the club is poised for more ambitious pursuits in the future.

The match itself was a testament to Gil Vicente's resilience and tactical flexibility. Sp. Braga initially took the lead through Horta in the 21st minute, but the home side staged a remarkable comeback in the second half. The turning point came with the influential performance of English striker Santi García, who not only netted the equalizer but also provided the assist for the winning goal. This pivotal contribution from García was instrumental in overturning the deficit and securing the vital three points.

Santi García, who joined Gil Vicente recently, was a free agent after terminating his contract with English club Chelsea. His immediate impact has been significant, proving to be a valuable acquisition for the club. His ability to perform under pressure and deliver crucial contributions in important matches highlights his quality and experience, adding a new dimension to Gil Vicente's attacking capabilities.

This victory not only elevates Gil Vicente to fourth place in the league standings, surpassing Sp. Braga, but also sends a strong message about their potential this season. It underscores the effectiveness of coach Peixoto's strategies and the team's ability to execute them, even when facing adversity. The win demonstrates that with the right mentality and tactical approach, Gil Vicente can compete effectively against established top-tier teams.

The outcome of this match is indicative of the competitive nature of the Portuguese league, where teams often demonstrate surprising resilience and tactical prowess. Gil Vicente's performance serves as an inspiration, showcasing how strategic planning and unwavering team spirit can lead to significant achievements. The club will aim to maintain this momentum as they navigate the remainder of the season, building on this success to solidify their position and potentially challenge for higher honors.

The broader implications of such victories extend beyond the immediate league standings. They contribute to the growing narrative of competitive parity in football leagues worldwide and can inspire other clubs aiming for upward mobility. The strategic development and performance of teams like Gil Vicente are closely watched, offering valuable insights into effective club management and coaching philosophies in modern football.

Ekhbary News Agency