Estoril — Nacional Madeira : Match Preview and Prediction for October 26,2025

Estoril’s Current Standings & Form

Estoril’s position in the league table is quite telling. After eight rounds, they sit in 16th place with a mere six points. The team has secured only one victory in their eight Primeira Liga matches.

Recent Performance Woes

The statistics clearly highlight their struggles. Estoril has failed to win in 15 of their last 20 matches. Even their home ground offers little solace, with no wins in 7 of their last 9 games played there. While they did defeat Belenenses 2-1 in a recent Cup match, it was a hard-fought victory against a third-division side, secured only in the 90+4th minute.

Tactical & Defensive Challenges

Head coach Ian Catro, despite claiming the team isn’t nervous, promptly admitted in a press conference: ‘It’s a reality that we don’t have many points.’ Such statements appear to be an attempt to save face amid poor performance. The team concedes frequently, especially from penalties, having already given away 4 goals from the spot – the second-worst record in the league. Simultaneously, they create very few scoring opportunities, ranking 16th in goal-scoring chances.

Injury Concerns

Compounding their on-field issues are personnel problems. Key defender and one of the captains, Pedro Amaral, who started in seven of eight rounds, will be sidelined due to a muscle injury. His absence on the left flank of defense is a significant blow. The participation of forward Rafik Guitane, who has already scored two goals this season, is also uncertain.

Nacional Madeira’s Resurgence

A starkly different picture emerges for the visitors from Madeira. Nacional comfortably sits in mid-table at 9th place with 10 points. The team has hit its stride, entering this match on a three-game winning streak across all competitions. In the Primeira Liga, they secured two spirited and impressive victories: a 3-2 comeback against Moreirense and, notably, a 1-0 away win over Braga.

Away Form and Tactical Strengths

Defeating Braga on their home turf is a strong statement. Nacional has proven their prowess on the road, with overall statistics reinforcing this: they are unbeaten in 6 of their last 8 away matches. They appear to be a well-organized and physically robust team. Their stats speak volumes: they lead the league in interceptions and aerial duels won.

Key Player and Match Preparation

They possess a clear leader in attack. Venezuelan forward Jesús Ramírez is in excellent form; his brace secured their victory against Moreirense in the last league round. Coach Tiago Margarido emphasizes that the team has meticulously prepared for the match, even accounting for weather conditions and the strong winds at Estoril’s stadium, which caused them issues last season.