Santa Clara vs Nacional

Struggling European contenders Santa Clara will host Nacional at the Estádio de São Miguel for their Primeira Liga matchday 27 clash on Sunday.

Santa Clara enters this fixture following a narrow 1-0 victory over Gil Vicente, aiming to build momentum after breaking a four-game winless streak. Meanwhile, Nacional will be eager to secure back-to-back league wins for the first time since January.

With 43 points from 26 matches, Santa Clara currently sits fifth in the league table, trailing fourth-placed Sporting Braga by 10 points—the gap having widened from just five points after gameweek 21 due to their recent dip in form. The Azoreans have won only once in their last five league outings, which has significantly hurt their European aspirations.

A key factor in their struggles has been their lackluster attack, as they have failed to score in three of their last five matches, managing just one goal in each of their previous two games.

Adding to their motivation, Santa Clara will be eager to avenge consecutive league defeats to Nacional in their most recent meetings. However, they can take confidence from their solid home record, winning seven of their 13 matches at Estádio de São Miguel, along with two draws and four defeats. A victory on Sunday would mark their first league triumph over Nacional since April 11, 2021.

On the other hand, Nacional comes into this contest fresh off a 3-1 victory over Casa Pia and will be looking to extend their winning run.

The victory propelled the visitors to 11th in the rankings, with 29 points from 26 games, five places and six points ahead of the relegation playoff slot.

While there is no imminent risk of being demoted to the second tier, visitors will be eager to put more space between themselves and the drop zone.

However, their road record leaves much to be desired, with only one win in their past 21 top-flight games away from home.

Nonetheless, they will be confident in their prospects against the hosts, having won the reverse encounter 2-0 in November.