Our prediction for this Portugal Primeira Liga match:
Estrela and Nacional take on each other at Estadio Jose Gomes in what is expected to be a close encounter. Estrela failed to spoil Sporting CP’s party in Lisbon, losing 5-1 to the reigning champions, but they are surely capable of matching Nacional at home ground. Luis Silva should have a full squad to choose from. Martin Lasarte’s men, on the other hand, aim to build on a 2-0 win over Santa Clara.
Nacional did well to put an end to their three-game losing run at the weekend, but beating Estrela on the road is easier said than done. Taking everything into account, we believe that there is a big value in betting on draw. It has to be noted that under 2.5 goals have been netted in each of the previous three meetings between the two sides in the Portuguese top flight.
Highlighted Team (Nacional):
Nacional is a Portuguese football club based in Funchal, on the island of Madeira. Nacional compete in Primeira Liga, with the team hosting their rivals at Estadio de Madeira. The stadium was opened in the winter of 1998, and it can hold no more than 5,132 spectators.
Nacional is one of the oldest clubs in Portugal as it was founded back in 1910. Los Alvinegros are well known for their white shirts with black stripes, with the team wearing yellow jerseys when playing on the road. Nacional have great rivalry with neighbouring club Maritimo, with the two clubs facing each other in the Madeira derby. Los Alvinegros have won AF Madeira Cup on six occasions (1943/44, 1944/45, 1973,74, 1974/75, 2001/02, 2007/08).
The 2003/04 campaign is considered the most successful season in the history of Nacional as they finished the process in the 4th position in the standings. As a result, they booked their place in the UEFA Cup. In the 2009/10 season Nacional participated in the Europa League group stages, facing the like of Athletic Club, Austria Wien, and Werder Bremen in Group L.