Santa Clara vs. Vitória de Guimarães – News and Probable Lineups

Santa Clara aims to secure their first win in 2026 as they host Vitoria de Guimaraes at Estadio de Sao Miguel for the upcoming round 25 of the Primeira Liga.

The Azoreans find themselves in the relegation zone due to a disappointing streak of results, sitting just above last-placed AVS and two points away from safety, while the Conquerors are currently in ninth place in the league, 12 points off the top four and eight points behind fifth place.

Match overview

Santa Clara is the only team in the Primeira Liga yet to enjoy a victory so far in the new year, with their last win feeling like a distant memory as they only managed to defeat Casa Pia 1–0 on December 6 at Sao Miguel.

The Azoreans are on a frustrating run, having not won in their last 11 league matches (D4, L7) and a total of 12 matches across all competitions, including their elimination from the Taca de Portugal in mid-December, as they struggle to find their form despite a change in management.

Petit was brought in to succeed Vasco Matos, who was dismissed, but has only managed to secure two points from a possible 12 since taking charge in early February. Nonetheless, there might be some hope as his team ended a five-match losing sequence with commendable performances in their last two games.

After coming from behind to earn a 1–1 draw at Alverca, Santa Clara managed to equalize twice in a thrilling 2–2 match against Tondela last weekend, with contributions from Gabriel Silva in the 15th minute and a late penalty from Serginho.

The Azoreans have conceded the first goal in their last seven matches, but Petit will be looking for a strong start this Sunday to boost his team’s chances of claiming the three points and breaking a six-game winless streak at home in all competitions (D1, L5).

Guimaraes, facing their own challenges, have lost their last three away encounters, conceding three or more goals in each match, which is a stark contrast to their previous five outings on the road where they kept three clean sheets, won four, and drew one.

The Conquerors’ struggles away from home have played a role in their recent inconsistency, as they have managed only two wins out of seven matches (D1, L4) since they won the Taca da Liga in January.

The lone draw in this stretch was a 1–1 outcome against Alverca last weekend, where Samu’s goal just after half-time wasn’t enough for Luis Pinto’s team, who conceded shortly after and had to settle for just one point.

With back-to-back matches without a win, following a loss to fierce rivals Braga the preceding week, Guimaraes’ prospects for achieving a continental spot seem dim with 10 matches remaining; however, a win this weekend could rejuvenate their spirits, especially given their recent favorable results against Santa Clara.

The Minho side has triumphed in four of their last five encounters with Santa Clara (L1), including a 2–1 victory in their earlier meeting this season back in October, but will tread carefully, as Vitoria lost the last time they visited the Azores.

Team News

Santa Clara will be missing attacker Vinicius Lopes, who received a one-match suspension for an inappropriate gesture directed at Tondela supporters during the previous match.

On the injury front, Matheus Araujo (MT) is still recovering from a cruciate ligament injury that has kept him out since December, while left-back Paulo Victor may miss another match.

On a brighter note, center-back Frederico Venancio will make his return after serving a suspension for accumulating yellow cards.

Guimaraes will continue to be without Oscar Rivas Viodi, as the center-back is still recovering from a muscle injury that has kept him sidelined since mid-December.

Defender Miguel Nobrega and forward Nelson Oliveira both missed the recent match against Alverca, making their availability this time uncertain.

Santa Clara probable starting XI:

Baptist; Calila, Venancio, Lima, Romao; Araujo, Ferreira, Tavares; Torrao, Oliveira, Silva

Vitoria de Guimaraes probable starting XI:

Charles; Strata, Abascal, Balieiro, J Mendes; Beni, Sousa; G Silva, Samu, Saviolo; Ndoye

This match features two teams struggling with their confidence recently; with Santa Clara on a four-match losing streak at home and Guimaraes also enduring consecutive defeats during their travels, it is anticipated that both sides may neutralize each other, leading to a likely draw.