Get ready for an exciting Primeira Liga showdown this Saturday as Casa Pia takes on Nacional at Estadio Pina Manique in round four. Both teams are coming off tough losses where they each let in four goals last weekend, so they’ll be eager to bounce back and show their grit.
Casa Pia, nicknamed the Geese, got shut out 4-0 by Porto at Estadio do Dragao, while Nacional, the White-and-Black, saw an early lead slip away as Sporting Lisbon dominated them in the second half. For Casa Pia, that Porto defeat highlighted their up-and-down start to the season. With two losses in their first three games, their only bright spot was a 2-0 win against AVS. Facing top teams like Sporting and Porto early on hasn’t been easy for manager Joao Pereira, but he’s got a clear issue to fix: his team keeps conceding early. They let in goals before halftime against both Sporting and Porto, with three coming in the first half alone last weekend. Their lone win came when they grabbed an early lead, so a fast start could be the key to turning things around against Nacional, especially since recent head-to-heads have often hinged on who strikes first.
Last season, Casa Pia nicked a 1-0 home win over Nacional with a 39th-minute goal from Ruben Kluivert. But Nacional got revenge in the return match, with Daniel Penha’s strike just before the break setting up a 3-1 victory. That trend of early goals deciding this fixture makes Saturday’s opening minutes worth watching.
Nacional, meanwhile, are still searching for their first win this season. They took an early lead through Leo Santos last weekend, but a red card to Pablo Ruan flipped the script, and Sporting piled on four goals after halftime. That sending-off was Nacional’s second in two games, following Ulisses Wilson’s red card in a 1-1 draw at Rio Ave, their only point so far. Manager Tiago Margarido will need to tighten up his squad’s discipline to avoid another collapse.
On the team news front, Casa Pia’s Pereira might tweak his defense after that Porto thrashing, with Andre Geraldes and Kaique Rocha in contention for spots. Goalkeeper Ricardo Batista is still out injured, and Yassin Oukili’s availability depends on a last-minute fitness test. Youngster Renato Nhaga caught eyes in midfield against Porto and could keep his spot. For Nacional, Ruan’s suspension hurts, but Ulisses is back after his ban. Injuries are a headache for Margarido, with Ivanildo Fernandes, Douglas Nathan, Motez Nourani, Miguel Baeza, Deivison, and Lucas Joao all sidelined. Witi is likely to step in on the wing.
With both sides desperate to steady the ship, this clash promises drama. Will Casa Pia’s home advantage and a potential early goal make the difference, or can Nacional overcome their injury woes and discipline issues to claim their first win? Tune in to find out!
