Estoril Vs AFS

Two teams in search of a turnaround will face off in Matchday 28 of the Primeira Liga as struggling AVS, currently fighting to avoid relegation, host mid-table Estoril Praia at the Estadio do CD Aves on Friday evening. The hosts come into this clash in dismal form, having secured just one win in their last eight league matches while suffering three consecutive defeats. Meanwhile, Estoril’s own struggles are evident, as they have failed to win any of their last four games, leaving both sides desperate for a positive result to reignite their respective campaigns.

AVS, who earned promotion to Portugal’s top division for the first time in their history at the start of the season, have found life in the Primeira Liga far from straightforward. Their debut campaign has been marked by inconsistency, defensive vulnerabilities, and an inability to convert draws into victories. Their most recent outing, a crushing 4-1 defeat at the hands of Famalicão, only deepened their woes, leaving them hovering precariously above the relegation playoff spot on goal difference. With just 23 points from 27 matches—four wins, 11 draws, and 12 losses—they remain in serious danger of an immediate return to the second tier.

One of the most glaring issues for AVS has been their lack of firepower in attack. With only 21 goals scored all season, they rank among the league’s lowest scorers, sharing the joint-second worst attacking record. Compounding their problems is a leaky defense that has conceded 41 goals—a tally better than only bottom-placed Boavista. This combination of offensive inefficiency and defensive frailty has made it difficult for Rui Ferreira’s side to climb away from danger, particularly given their struggles at home.

Despite the inherent advantage of playing in familiar surroundings, AVS have been unable to capitalize on their home fixtures. Their recent form at the Estadio do CD Aves has been dismal, with just one win in their last 10 matches and a run of three consecutive home games without victory. Their overall home record—14 points from 13 matches—is the third-worst in the division, further highlighting their inability to turn their stadium into a fortress. If they are to survive the drop, they must find a way to start picking up points on their own turf, beginning with this crucial encounter against Estoril.

Historically, this fixture offers little precedent, as the two sides have met only once before in a competitive match—a goalless draw in the reverse fixture earlier this season. AVS will be hoping to secure their first-ever victory against Estoril, a result that could prove pivotal in their battle for survival.

On the other side, Estoril Praia arrive in a far more comfortable position, sitting ninth in the table with 36 points—a full 13 clear of the relegation playoff zone. However, their recent form has been concerning, with a four-match winless run dampening their earlier momentum. Under the guidance of head coach Ian Cathro, the Canaries had previously enjoyed a scintillating run of six wins in seven matches, a streak that briefly reignited hopes of a late push for European qualification.

Yet, those dreams now appear increasingly distant. A 2-1 defeat to Porto last weekend left Estoril 10 points behind fifth-placed Santa Clara and a staggering 20 adrift of Braga in fourth. With only a handful of games remaining, their chances of securing continental football next season are fading fast, meaning they must now focus on finishing the campaign strongly to build momentum for the next.

One of Estoril’s key strengths this season has been their ability to score goals. With 35 to their name, they rank among the league’s more potent attacking sides, trailing only the top four clubs and Vitória de Guimarães in the scoring charts. Their attacking consistency is further evidenced by the fact that they have found the net in each of their last nine matches, a run they will be eager to extend against AVS.

However, their defensive record remains a major concern. Having conceded 43 goals—the third-worst defensive tally in the division—they have often undermined their own attacking efforts by failing to keep opponents at bay. This vulnerability at the back has been particularly evident in recent away matches, where they have gone three games without a win following an impressive stretch of three consecutive victories on the road. Their overall away record—14 points from a possible 39—places them ninth in the away standings, indicating that they must tighten up defensively if they are to finish the season on a high.

As the two sides prepare to lock horns, the stakes could hardly be more contrasting. For AVS, this match represents a crucial opportunity to claw their way out of the relegation scrap, while Estoril will be keen to rediscover their winning touch and salvage some pride from what has been a mixed campaign. With both teams desperate for points, the encounter promises to be a fiercely contested affair, with the outcome potentially shaping the final weeks of their respective seasons.