National vs. Star Amateur – News and Probable Lineups

Nacional aims to achieve their first victory since January as they take on Estrela Amadora in round 26 of the Portuguese Primeira Liga this Saturday, seeking to escape the relegation zone.

Conversely, Estrela travels to the Estadio da Madeira in high spirits after a commanding win against Casa Pia last time out, hoping to build on their current form as the season nears its conclusion.

Match overview

Prior to the international break, Nacional suffered another setback in the Primeira Liga standings, losing 1-0 to Famalicao at the Estadio Municipal de Famalicao on March 21.

With nothing separating the teams at halftime, 20-year-old defender Ibrahima Ba found the net for the hosts shortly after the break, scoring in the 63rd minute and securing the win for Famalicao.

This loss leaves Nacional without a victory in their last eight Primeira Liga matches, having recorded six defeats and two draws since early February, placing their two-year tenure in the league at risk.

While Tiago Margarido’s team has been relatively solid in defence, conceding 39 goals thus far, their attacking woes are evident, scoring only 29 goals in 27 fixtures this season.

Finishing just four points clear of the relegation zone last season, Nacional now finds itself in another relegation battle, sitting 16th in the Primeira Liga with 22 points—two points adrift of 15th-placed Casa Pia and slightly above the automatic relegation spots occupied by Tondela.

On the flip side, Estrela Amadora secured a crucial three points for survival just before the international break, winning 4-0 against Casa Pia on March 20.

In a one-sided match at the Estadio Jose Gomes, goals from Abraham Marcus, Eddy Doue, and a brace from 34-year-old striker Rodrigo Pinho propelled the home team to their sixth victory of the Primeira Liga season.

This victory was essential for Estrela Amadora, who had previously struggled with five winless matches, facing three defeats and two draws, along with just one win in their last 11 games in all competitions since the new year.

With seven matches remaining, Joao Nuno’s side is not completely out of danger, but their recent performance against Casa Pia has allowed them to create a six-point buffer from the relegation zone, sitting 13th in the Primeira Liga with 28 points, tied with 14th-placed Santa Clara.

Yet, Estrela is optimistic about continuing their positive momentum from before the international break this weekend, particularly against a rival that has managed only two victories from their last nine meetings, losing five and drawing two since September 2008.

Team News

Nacional will be without several key players due to injuries, including Ivanildo Fernandes (muscle), Lucas Franca (thigh), and Brazilian defender Ulisses (collarbone).

Portuguese defender Joao Aurelio has been sidelined since January with an ankle issue, while teammate Jose Gomes will miss his sixth consecutive match due to a muscle injury.

Spanish midfielder Miguel Baeza is a significant doubt for this weekend’s clash, having recently picked up an injury, and 23-year-old Matheus Dias is suspended after receiving a yellow card against Famalicao.

Estrela faces its own set of injury challenges, as Issiar Drame, Jefferson Encada, and Nigerian striker Mathew Gbomadu remain on the club’s injury list.

Brazillian midfielder Robinho will also miss the trip to the Estadio da Madeira due to suspension, having accumulated five yellow cards this season against Casa Pia.

Nacional probable starting XI:

Pereira; Nunez, Ze Vítor, Santos, Vallier; Witi, Soares, Labidi; Junior, Joao, Boia

Estrela Amadora probable starting XI:

Ribeiro; Scholze, Patrick, Schappo, Langa; Doue, Jansson, Sola; Marcus, Pinho, Stoica

Motivated by their solid performance against Casa Pia, Estrela heads into the weekend with optimism, aiming for back-to-back wins for the first time since October 2023.

Nuno’s squad will face a Nacional team that has garnered only two points from eight matches since February began, and they are favored to emerge victorious at the Estadio da Madeira.