Farense Vs Nacional

Two teams in dire need of a victory will face off in round 21 of the Portuguese Primeira Liga as SC Farense welcomes Nacional to the Estadio de Sao Luis on Sunday.

Both clubs find themselves at the lower end of the league table, separated by just five points, with Farense currently in the relegation zone and three points away from safety.

Farense's struggles in the Primeira Liga continued last weekend when they suffered a 3-1 defeat to title contenders Sporting Lisbon at the Estadio Jose Alvalade. Ivan Fresneda and Ousmane Diomande struck within a 15-minute span to put Sporting in control. Although Lucas Africo pulled one back for Farense just before halftime, teenage forward Conrad Harder scored his fourth league goal of the season in the 88th minute to seal the victory and extinguish any hopes of a late comeback.

The defeat extended Farense’s winless streak to six matches across all competitions, comprising three losses and three draws. This run includes their elimination from the Taca de Portugal following a 3-1 home loss to Benfica in the fifth round on January 14.

Under the guidance of Toze Marreco, Farense has endured a difficult campaign, suffering 11 losses in 20 league matches while managing only three victories and six draws. Their tally of 15 points places them second from the bottom, two points adrift of Estrela Amadora, who currently occupy the relegation playoff spot.

One of the major contributors to their struggles has been a lack of firepower in attack. With just 13 goals to their name, they share the lowest goal tally in the league—a glaring issue that must be addressed if they hope to retain their top-flight status.

Nacional, much like their upcoming opponents, have also been struggling at the wrong end of the table. They suffered a 2-1 defeat at home against a 10-man Arouca side last Saturday at the Estadio da Madeira. Pablo Gonzalbez and Henrique Araujo handed Arouca a two-goal lead before Ulisses reduced the deficit just before halftime. Despite Arouca going down to 10 men following Boris Popovic’s straight red card in the 61st minute, Nacional was unable to capitalize, as their opponents put up a resolute defensive effort to hold onto the win.

Prior to that loss, Nacional had enjoyed a promising start to the year with back-to-back victories, overcoming Porto and AVS while netting five goals and conceding just once in the process. However, their momentum was halted by a 2-0 defeat to Sporting Lisbon on January 25.

Having earned promotion from the Segunda Liga last season, Tiago Margarido’s men must find consistency as the campaign enters a crucial phase. They currently sit in 14th place with 19 points from 20 matches, just two points clear of the relegation zone.

Despite their intentions to regain form this weekend, Nacional’s dismal away record does little to inspire confidence. They have failed to secure a single victory in 12 away matches across all competitions this season, suffering nine defeats and managing only three draws.

Both teams head into this fixture desperate for points, making it a crucial encounter in their respective fights to remain in the top division.