In a thrilling encounter at the Estádio da Madeira, Nacional and Santa Clara battled to a 3-3 draw in the Primeira Liga. The match was marked by early goals and late drama, with Elias Manoel's last-gasp equalizer ensuring the points were shared. Vinicius Lopes opened the scoring for Santa Clara in the 4th minute, setting the tone for a frenetic first half.
First Half Fireworks
The opening half was a showcase of attacking football, with both teams finding the net twice. After Lopes' early strike, Paulo Victor doubled Santa Clara's lead in the 15th minute. Nacional responded swiftly, with J. Ramirez converting a penalty in the 21st minute after scoring his first goal just minutes earlier. The half ended with both teams level at 2-2, setting the stage for an exciting second half.
Ramirez's Influence and Late Drama
Jesús Ramírez continued to be a thorn in Santa Clara's side, completing his hat-trick in the 50th minute, assisted by Liziero. Despite Nacional's lead, Santa Clara remained resilient. The match saw a flurry of substitutions and yellow cards as both teams sought control. In the dying moments, Elias Manoel struck to level the score, capitalizing on a lapse in Nacional's defense.
Statistical Insights
Santa Clara edged possession with 54% and registered 21 shots compared to Nacional's 13, reflecting their attacking intent. Nacional, however, were more clinical, with 5 of their shots on target. Both teams shared the disciplinary burden, each receiving four yellow cards. Ramírez's performance was a standout, with three goals and a player rating of 10, highlighting his pivotal role.
Looking Ahead
Nacional's recent form has been a mix of highs and lows, with this draw following a strong home win against Tondela. Santa Clara, meanwhile, continue their steady run, having avoided defeat in their last five matches. Both teams will look to build on this performance as they aim to climb the Primeira Liga standings.
