In a commanding display at the Estádio da Madeira, Nacional dismantled Rio Ave 4-0 during their Primeira Liga clash. Gabriel Veron opened the scoring in the 34th minute, turning in a well-crafted assist from Ze Vitor. The home side never relented, with Jesús Ramírez doubling their lead immediately after half-time, thanks to a setup by Alan Nuñez. The crowd in Funchal was electric as Nacional continued their dominance throughout the match.
Second-Half Surge Seals the Win for Nacional
The second half witnessed Nacional's relentless pursuit of goals. In the 72nd minute, Léo Santos capitalized on a loose ball in the box, making it 3-0. As the game drew to a close, Witi found the net in the 90th minute, courtesy of a precise pass from Matheus Dias. Rio Ave struggled to muster any meaningful response as Nacional's defense held firm, supported by crucial saves from their goalkeeper.
Tactical Control and Defensive Solidity
Nacional's tactical superiority was evident as they executed a perfect 4-3-3 formation, stifling Rio Ave's attempts to break through. Despite Rio Ave's 53% possession, they failed to penetrate the disciplined Nacional defense, which was quick to shut down any threats. Nacional's efficiency in front of goal was highlighted by their five shots on target, converting four of them. Meanwhile, Rio Ave's attempts were thwarted, managing only six shots on goal despite similar efforts.
Looking Ahead with Renewed Confidence
This victory follows Nacional's recent form, where they have shown resilience and attacking flair. The team continues to build momentum, with players like Jesús Ramírez and Gabriel Veron becoming increasingly pivotal. As Nacional gears up for their next fixtures, their performance today serves as a strong reminder of their capabilities. Rio Ave, on the other hand, will need to reassess their strategies as they aim to regain their form in the coming matches.
