We had 5 games left to decide who would be Algarve Open champions in 2016. Now was the time for one of these teams to assert themselves and really stake a claim for glory. Two of the main protagonists were Cheesecake FC and Galacticos.

Galacticos were bidding to become the first team since Rapid Bosco Navas at the 2008 Barcelona Fives to win a tournament having finished third in the group phase. If they were to win this fixture they would be almost there. A draw would put them in pole position but with work to do in their final game (pending other results). A draw for Cheesecake FC would keep them in the hunt but their odds on a tournament win would be drifting. Cheesecake FC really needed to win which would open up the Cup Group not only for them but also RC Lens and Mini FC in the chasing pack.

There was a lot at stake and Cheesecake, as they had to do, took most of the attacking initiative. You couldn't argue that Galacticos were playing for the draw but they were more reserved in attack and relying on pace on the break. That said, we reached half-time level at 0-0.

Cheesecake FC already had two 0-0 draws to their name today and a third is not really what they wanted but they would have to settle for a point at the full-time whistle. They now had to win their last game and hope Galacticos would lose theirs in order to take the title.

RC Lens would meet Saipan FC for the second time today in the next Cup Group game. This was a must win game for RC Lens who could move within a point of top-spot if they could pull off a victory.

For Saipan FC, Galacticos's point against Cheesecake FC confirmed that Saipan FC would not be adding the 2016 Algarve Open to the 2015 Mallorca Tournament in their trophy cabinet. However, second place was still up for grabs and if they could win this there would be just 1 point separating 2nd to 5th positions.

When the two met in the morning RC Lens were dominant in a 3-1 win. This re-match looked to be following a similar course as Tommy Twelves and Josh Hart helped establish a 2-0 half-time lead. It was an end-to-end game with both teams having chances and both teams hitting the post twice in that opening period.

At the start of the second half it was game on again as Beni Schoch opened his account for the day to reduce the deficit to 2-1. It was not long before Saipan FC were level at 2-2 thanks to Nacho Monales. This sparked RC Lens into action and Luke O'Nien restored their lead at 3-2.

Saipan FC were not to be beaten though and they were level again at 3-3 with Nacho Monales striking for the second time in the game and for the seventh time in the tournament. The goal meant he was joint top goalscorer.

The game finished 3-3 and it was a well fought point for both teams. In the context of the table though it didn't really help either side. RC Lens moved level with Cheesecake FC in second place but were still 3 points off Galacticos at the top.

Not long to go now until we knew the 2016 Algarve Open winners (or not as the case may be). Game 8 of the Cup Group was Mini FC versus Galacticos. Galacticos needed just a draw to win the tournament. Mini FC needed a victory to go 1 point behind their opponents with 1 game in hand which would make them favourites for the tournament.

Waiting in the wings were Cheesecake FC and RC Lens who would also hope that Mini FC could pull off a win as it would keep their own hopes alive. Galacticos, as you may expect, were buoyant and displaying the signs of a team who were relishing the challenge rather than nervous of what was at stake. Their position at the top was strengthened in the opening period when Yuri fired in a free-kick to make it 1-0. It could have got even better for Galacticos but Henio Fortes saw his effort rebound off the post moments letter.

We kicked off the second half with Galacticos holding on to that precious 1-0 lead. Mini FC (and the two watching English teams) needed Mini FC to score twice without reply to prevent the title falling into Galacticos hands. They would have all been horrified to see Yuri charging down the right wing before crossing across the 6 yard box for Henio Fortes to tap in at the back post and make it 2-0 to Galacticos. That goal was arguably the goal that sealed the victory in this game and the tournament for the Portuguese men in orange.

There was to be no further score in the game. At the final whistle the teams shook hands and there could be no arguments that over the course of the afternoon Cup Group that Galacticos were worthy winners of the 2016 Algarve Open – many congratulations to them.

.

There was still things to be decided in the Cup Group. We had two group games with each of the four teams looking to end on a high. Second place and along with it Runners-Up medals were still up for grabs.

Cheesecake FC and Saipan FC were the next two teams to take to the field. It was the battle of the previous two Mallorca Tournament champions with Cheesecake FC winning it in 2014 before Saipan FC took the crown in 2015. It was also the battle of the two most multi-national squads in the tournament. Cheesecake FC featured players from Australia, England, France & the USA whilst Saipan FC had English, French, Irish, Swiss and Spanish personnel (sorry for any nationality we've forgotten).

Cheesecake FC could take second place if they won and RC Lens failed to win. If RC Lens won, then Cheesecake FC would need to win by a margin of 3 goals more than RC Lens won by. Saipan FC were unable to finish 2nd as even with a win the fact that RC Lens and Mini FC would meet each other in the final game meant third was the best they could manage.

The game was a fully committed one and it was Cheesecake FC who were finishing the tournament the stronger. Justin Rees opened his account in the first half which sparked a goal rush. He made it 2-0 before the break before completing his hat-trick in the second period and adding a fourth for good measure. It meant he would finish his team's top goalscorer on the day.

Talking of top goalscorer, a late goal for Nacho Monales may have only been a consolation in this game but it took his tally for the day to 8 goals. It was a haul that would earn him today's golden boot award in the presentation beating the 7 goals scored by Joao Fernandes for The Avengers. Nacho was the second top scorer in Mallorca last year so many congratulations to him on going one better in the Algarve.

The last game of the day would be RC Lens versus Mini FC. Cheesecake's win meant that Mini FC could only finish third at best with a victory.

RC Lens finished as Runners-Up here in Portugal 12 months ago and they could still finish second if they were to win this game. A one goal win would see them finish second on goals scored. A bigger win would see them finish second on goals difference. If this game was to result in a draw then Cheesecake FC would finish second, RC Lens finish third and Mini FC in fourth.

RC Lens were starting to look like a tired team. They only had a squad of 5 players and with no subs the efforts from their previous 7 goals were looking to take their toll. There is no question that RC Lens were fit young lads but they were not immortal. Mini FC established a 2-0 lead at the break thanks to a double from Nuno Delgado. After the break he completed his hat-trick and the day was done from a playing point of view. Final score, 3-0.

So, all was done and dusted and a quick presentation ensued where we handed out the winning trophy and medals to our 2016 Algarve Open champions – Galacticos! Well done to you guys.

Congratulations to Cheesecake FC on their Runners-Up finish. They were second at the Algarve Open in 2011 and now also in 2016.

In the Plate competition we say well done to Trilution and Water Boy in first and second place respectively.

For the individual honours we congratulate Nacho Monales for a fine return of 8 goals in 8 games as he picked up the Top Goalscorer award.

We would like to thank everyone who participated and ensured the tournament was so successful. We had a lot of fun and hope you did too. See you all on tour again very soon!