Following a loss in the Azores, Nacional head coach Tiago Margarido reflected on the game at Estádio de São Miguel. “We knew this was a crucial match to secure our season’s goal. We were very listless, circulating the ball slowly in the first half, and Santa Clara deservedly took the lead. In the second half we were much more like ourselves. We threw in all our forwards, created chances, and against the run of play we conceded the second goal,” he stated.

When questioned whether the team’s performance was due to nervousness, given they are just one point away from guaranteeing survival, Margarido replied: “I don’t think it was nervousness, but rather a lack of competitive edge.”