Nacional Vs AVS

Nacional will be looking to secure back-to-back victories for the first time this season when they host AVS in Round 18 of the Portuguese Primeira Liga on Sunday. This upcoming match is crucial for Nacional, who are aiming to build on their recent success and continue climbing the standings.

For AVS, this match presents an opportunity to break a winless streak and push themselves further away from the relegation zone. The Vila das Aves-based team has struggled to find success in their previous encounters against Nacional, having failed to secure a win in the last three meetings between the two sides. As they make their way to the Estádio da Madeira, AVS will be determined to get the better of the hosts and collect three vital points that could propel them clear of the danger zone in the standings.

Nacional, having recently pulled off a remarkable victory over Porto, will be brimming with confidence going into this match. Their 2-0 win against the Primeira Liga title contenders was a stunning result that left Porto stunned. Nacional’s victory was all the more impressive considering the way they managed to weather a second-half onslaught from Porto, who were desperate to claw their way back into the match. Despite Porto’s efforts, Nacional’s defense stood firm, and the home side managed to hold onto their lead, securing an important three points.

Nacional’s success in their home matches has been a bright spot in what has been a challenging season overall. With their win against Porto, they extended their unbeaten streak at home to four matches, with three victories and one draw in their last five games. The only blemish during this run was a 2-0 loss to Benfica on December 19, which remains their sole defeat in recent home fixtures. This strong run of form at Estádio da Madeira has lifted Nacional out of the relegation battle, and they currently occupy 13th place in the league table. A win this weekend could see them move up to 19 points, potentially drawing level with 11th-placed Gil Vicente.

Despite Nacional’s improvement at home, their struggles on the road have continued. They remain one of the only three teams in the Primeira Liga who have yet to win an away match this season. Nevertheless, their recent resurgence at home has been enough to keep them clear of the relegation zone, and they will hope to carry that momentum into this clash with AVS.

For AVS, the situation is far more dire as they continue to fight to avoid relegation. They have been unable to pick up a win in their last 11 matches across all competitions, a dismal run that includes six draws and five losses. Their most recent match, a 1-1 draw against Moreirense on January 4, exemplified the team's current struggles. AVS fought back from a one-goal deficit, with Jaume Grau’s equalizer late in the first half salvaging a point for the team. However, the draw only added to their frustration as they remain stuck in the lower reaches of the league table.

AVS’s form has been erratic, with the team failing to find the consistency necessary to move up the standings. Since December 8, they have played out five consecutive draws, a statistic that highlights their inability to turn one point into three. The team has not won in over a month and has been sliding towards the relegation zone. Their most embarrassing result in this run was a 3-2 defeat to Lusitano Evora, a team from the Campeonato de Portugal, in the Taca de Portugal fourth round on November 23. This defeat, at the hands of a lower-league side, was a significant blow to their morale and further emphasized the challenges they face.

Promoted to the Primeira Liga for the first time in their history last season, AVS has found the competition tough. Their debut campaign in the top tier has been a struggle, and they are currently sitting in 15th place with 15 points from 17 matches. They are only above the relegation playoff spot by goal difference, with 16th-placed Arouca breathing down their neck. The pressure is mounting for AVS as they fight to stay in the league and avoid a return to the second division.

Nacional’s upcoming clash with AVS will be the fourth meeting between the two teams since November 2023. AVS has failed to secure a win in the previous three encounters, having lost twice and drawn once. This poor record against Nacional will be a source of concern for AVS as they prepare for another tough away match. Their lack of success against Nacional in recent meetings will weigh heavily on their minds, but they will need to overcome these past failures if they are to have any hope of taking something from this game.

For AVS, this match is an opportunity to break their winless streak and earn a crucial three points. However, they face a tough challenge in Nacional, who have shown resilience and determination in recent weeks. Nacional’s recent form, particularly at home, has been strong, and they will be eager to extend their good run when they take on AVS. 

Nacional’s victory over Porto has lifted their spirits, and they will be determined to build on that momentum. The win against one of the league’s top teams has given them a renewed sense of confidence, and they will look to continue their climb up the standings. AVS, on the other hand, will need to find a way to break their winless run if they are to have any hope of staying clear of the relegation battle. This match promises to be an intense and crucial fixture for both teams, with Nacional hoping to continue their rise and AVS desperate for a positive result to avoid slipping further into the relegation zone.

As the season progresses, both teams will have their sights set on different objectives. Nacional will be aiming to solidify their position in the mid-table and continue to build on their recent home form, while AVS will be fighting to avoid relegation and ensure their survival in the top flight. The stakes are high for both sides, and this match will be a key moment in their respective campaigns.

With Nacional looking to build on their success and AVS desperate for a change in fortune, this match promises to be a hard-fought contest. Both teams have plenty to play for, and the outcome of this game could have significant implications for their respective seasons. The Estádio da Madeira will be the setting for what could be a crucial match in the race for survival and mid-table stability in the Primeira Liga.