Former Swansea City boss Carlos Carvalhal sets up Europa League shoot-out for Rio Ave

Former Sheffield Wednesday and Swansea City coach Carlos Carvalhal has set up a final game Europa League shoot-out for his unfancied Portuguese side Rio Ave.

The 54-year old shrugged aside the shock of being attacked by muggers last week to guide Rio Ave to a record points total after securing a 2-2 draw with Santa Clara on Saturday – leaving them sixth in the table with a game to go.

They face fifth placed Famalicao in the final league game with the winners taking a place in the Europa League.

Carlos Carvalhal has set up a final game Europa League shoot-out for his Rio Ave side

It has been an outstanding season for Carvalhal with Rio Ave accumulating a record 52 points. They had already set their record points on the road in a single season of 27 and equalled the longest unbeaten run in the club’s history of nine games, a record that was set until by Jose Manuel Mourinho, father of Tottenham manager Jose.

Carvalhal said: ‘I want to congratulate mainly my players and the club. We achieved an unprecedented feat in the 81 years of the club’s history. We are having a remarkable season in the club’s history.

‘When I arrived I told the players that I would like them to have the best season of their career individually and also collectively. We showed a positive football and we got these points with a game still to be played.

‘The goal has always been to do the best possible and the best possible was only the best that Rio Ave did in history. I am extremely satisfied and proud.’

The 54-year old shrugged aside the shock of being attacked by muggers last week