National vs Famalicão – News and Probable Lineups

Famalicao will continue their pursuit of a victory in the 2026-27 Portuguese Primeira Liga when they face Nacional at the Estadio da Madeira this Saturday.

After losing both previous encounters with Nacional last season, the Alvinegros will be eager to break their four-match league losing streak against the visitors.

Match overview

In his first match as head coach of Nacional last Saturday, Alexandre Santos watched as his team struggled offensively, resulting in a 3-1 loss to Alverca at the Estadio da Madeira.

Alverca took a dominant lead at half-time, courtesy of a double from Dawda Camara and Francisco Chissumba’s strike in the 34th minute. Although Nacional created several chances in the second half, they could only manage a consolation goal from Matchoi Djalo in the 81st minute.

Despite accumulating four points from their first two fixtures, Nacional faced a downturn with losses to Vitoria de Guimaraes, Estrela Amadora, Sporting Lisbon, and Alverca, culminating in the dismissal of Joao Giao as the first managerial casualty of the 2026-27 Primeira Liga season.

This week’s match presents a challenge against a team that is unbeaten in four of their last five encounters, including victories in both home and away games last season. Santos will look for a positive response, as a win could ignite a vital turnaround for his side.

Santos might find encouragement in their offensive output of seven goals in five matches, although they have also conceded 11 times, and Nacional currently sits in 15th place in the Primeira Liga standings, tied on four points with Rio Ave, Vitoria de Guimaraes, and Famalicao.

Famalicao is still on the quest for their first victory of the new season after managing only a 1-1 draw against Sporting CP at the Estadio Municipal de Famalicao on Monday.

In a match that saw Romeo Beney sent off, Luis Javier Suarez opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 81st minute for Sporting Lisbon. However, Goncalo Inacio scored an own goal in stoppage time, forcing a share of the points.

With two losses and four draws from their initial six matches, Carlos Carvalhal’s side has struggled to replicate the form that saw them finish the previous season unbeaten in their final 12 games.

Yet, following a decade of defeats against Sporting Lisbon, last weekend’s draw provides Famalicao with a glimmer of hope as they arrive at the Estadio da Madeira having not lost in eight of their last nine away matches since March.

Team News

Leo Santos will be absent for Nacional after picking up a game-ending injury against Sporting Lisbon two weeks ago. The Brazilian defender will remain sidelined.

He is joined on the injury list by fellow countryman Ulisses, who continues to recuperate from a serious collarbone injury sustained in September 2025.

On the other hand, Famalicao will miss Swiss striker Beney due to a three-match suspension following his dismissal in the match against Sporting Lisbon last weekend.

Additionally, Tom Van de Looi has not featured in the last three games owing to an injury incurred against Santa Clara in August, leaving him out of contention for the visitors.

Nacional probable starting XI:

​Marin; Gasolina, Goncalves, Ze Vitor, Kokolo; Baeza, Dias; Gavriel, Junior, Jensen; Ruan

Famalicao probable starting XI:

Carevic; Pinheiro, Van Breemen, Rofino, Bondo; Pena, Szucs; Dias, De Amorim, Sorriso; Koutsias

As both Nacional and Famalicao encounter a challenging start to their season, Carvalhal’s side has showcased their capability to alter their fortunes with a determined performance against the high-profile Sporting Lisbon last time, leading us to believe they may inflict further hardship on the struggling home team.