Estoril Praia will host Casa Pia at the Estadio Antonio Coimbra da Mota on Sunday, with both teams striving to regain their winning form and distance themselves from the lower half of the Primeira Liga standings. Both sides are level on points, and their upcoming clash offers a crucial opportunity to gain momentum as the league campaign progresses. Estoril Praia is aiming for back-to-back league wins for the first time since March, while Casa Pia hopes to shake off recent frustrations and secure an important victory.
In their most recent outing, Estoril Praia faced a significant test of character when they visited Braga last Friday. The Canarinhos found themselves trailing by two goals, courtesy of a brace from Bruma, who displayed excellent composure and finishing to put Braga in control. However, Estoril refused to give in, showcasing remarkable resilience in the final stages of the match. Alejandro Marques ignited the comeback with a crucial strike, and Gonçalo Costa’s equalizer ensured Ian Cathro’s side walked away with a hard-earned point from the Estadio Braga Municipal. Despite the impressive fightback, Estoril’s inability to secure a victory on the road extends a troubling pattern—they have failed to win any of their last 16 competitive away matches. This poor away form stretches back to January 24, when they edged Benfica in a penalty shootout.
Returning to their home turf, Estoril will take solace in their relatively stronger performances at the Estadio Antonio Coimbra da Mota. The Canarinhos have been more consistent in familiar surroundings, winning two of their last three home matches. Their solid home form also includes an unbeaten streak in five of their last six games, dating back to late August. Notable results during this period include a goalless draw against AVS and two hard-fought victories. This resilience at home has helped Estoril amass 14 points from their 13 Primeira Liga fixtures, positioning them 11th in the table. With a slim five-point cushion above the relegation zone, Cathro’s men understand the importance of continuing their upward trajectory.
Casa Pia, meanwhile, heads into Sunday’s contest looking to bounce back from a frustrating stalemate against AVS. Last weekend’s match at the Estadio Pina Manique saw João Goulart give Casa Pia an early lead with a well-taken strike in the 12th minute. However, their inability to capitalize on this promising start proved costly as Gustavo Assunção’s converted penalty in the 72nd minute denied the hosts all three points. The result left João Pereira’s side ruing missed opportunities, particularly as they had been on an impressive five-game unbeaten run prior to that encounter.
Casa Pia’s form this season has been marked by inconsistency. Before their draw with AVS, the team had shown glimpses of their potential, securing consecutive victories in the Taça de Portugal against Amora FC and Chaves. However, a 2-0 defeat to Porto in early December served as a reminder of the challenges they face in maintaining consistency. The goalless draw with AVS further emphasized Casa Pia’s struggles, as they have now managed just one win in their last eight league outings. During this stretch, Pereira’s men have suffered two losses and settled for five draws, leaving them in a precarious position in the standings.
Sunday’s match presents Casa Pia with the daunting task of overcoming an opponent they have historically struggled against. Estoril Praia has dominated this matchup in recent years, remaining unbeaten in their last eight encounters with Casa Pia. This lopsided record includes five victories and three draws since their initial meeting in August 2019. The psychological advantage appears to be in Estoril’s favor, but Casa Pia will be determined to rewrite the narrative and secure a vital win on the road.
Despite their recent challenges, Casa Pia has shown flashes of resilience and promise under João Pereira’s guidance. The team’s defensive organization and ability to grind out results have kept them competitive in many matches. However, their lack of cutting-edge in the attacking third has often been their undoing. Pereira will need to find a way to inspire his forwards and unlock Estoril’s defense if they are to claim a rare victory against their hosts.
For Estoril Praia, Sunday’s match represents an opportunity to build on their home advantage and address their lingering inconsistencies. Ian Cathro will undoubtedly emphasize the importance of maintaining focus and discipline throughout the game. While the Canarinhos have shown resilience in recent matches, they will need to sharpen their attacking play and convert chances more effectively to secure all three points. The contributions of players like Alejandro Marques and Gonçalo Costa will be crucial in breaking down Casa Pia’s defensive setup.
Both teams are aware of the stakes involved in this encounter. With just five points separating them from the relegation zone, every match carries added significance in the battle for survival. Estoril’s home form and recent performances suggest they may have a slight edge, but Casa Pia’s determination to end their poor run against the Canarinhos could make for a fiercely contested affair.
As the match approaches, fans and analysts alike will be keeping a close eye on key battles across the pitch. Estoril’s ability to exploit their home advantage and Casa Pia’s quest to rediscover their attacking flair will likely determine the outcome of this pivotal clash. Both teams have shown they are capable of producing moments of brilliance, and Sunday’s showdown promises to deliver an intriguing contest between two evenly matched sides.