In 1988 he was loaned to fellow Primeira Liga team Académico de Viseu FC, his first game in the competition occurring on 11 September in a 1−1 home draw against C.F.

[2] However, the following season, he suffered a car crash that sidelined him for several months; when he regained full fitness he was used mainly as a substitute, his best input at the Estádio José Alvalade consisting of 13 matches in 1992–93.

[3] He was played sparingly during his spell there, being best remembered for a disallowed goal in the second leg of the Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira against FC Porto: Vítor Baía saved a clear shot using his hands well off the penalty area, Amaral managed to insert the ball in the goal but referee Donato Ramos called for offside, in spite of no visible interference from any attacking player.

[3] Subsequently, Amaral went on to represent in quick succession, always in the top division, FC Felgueiras (being managed by Jorge Jesus and being relegated), Belenenses, Vitória F.C.

[3] Amaral represented Portugal at the 1989 FIFA World Youth Championship, scoring the only goal in the semi-finals against Brazil to help the nation conquer the tournament.