Marítimos European adventure started with a trip to Belgium, and a tie against Royal Antwerp. Marítimo lost the first leg 2-0, but managed a credible 2-2 draw in the second leg, at the Estádio dos Barreiros. Despite going out in the first round, it was a great experience for the players, and after another 5th place finish in the 1993-1994 season, Marítimo were back in the UEFA Cup draw the following season.
In the first round, Marítimo were drawn to play Swiss club FC Aarau. After a 0-0 draw away, only a score draw was needed for Marítimo to advance to the next round. The home leg ended 1-0 to the verde-rubros, and the European adventure continued with a second round tie against a star-studded Juventus side. After dominating the game, Marítimo lost the first leg, at home, to a lucky Fabrizio Ravanelli goal. Only the crossbar prevented Gustavos shot from earning a deserved point but despite the loss, Marítimo travelled to the brand new Stadio Delle Alpi with high hopes. Two more Ravanelli goals confirmed Juventus place in the next round, but Marítimos Paulo Alves did grab a late consolation goal, with a header that was blocked on the goal line by a Juventus defender. The goal however was given and the defender was shown the red card. Juventus went on to finish runners up to Parma. The following season, Juventus were the winners of the Champions League.
Despite being knocked out of the UEFA Cup, Marítimos domestic success continued with a 7th place finish, and a place in the Taça de Portugal final. After knocking out Moreirense (2-1), Amora (2-1), Ovarense (2-1) and Porto (1-0), Marítimo made their first appearance in a Taça de Portugal final, against Sporting. However, the match was held at the Estádio Nacional, in Lisboa, so it was almost as if Sporting were the home team. Sporting dominated the match, and if it wasnt for a spectacular performance by Marítimo goalkeeper Ewerton Jaenisch, the final result could have been a lot more than a 2-0 loss.
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