- Vitoria Guimaraes have won two of the last four meetings, Nacional one and one draw.
- Nacional are winless in their last two games against Vitoria Guimaraes.
- Nacional have failed to win their last two away games against Vitoria Guimaraes.
In-form Nacional Madeira Funchal provide a tough test for struggling Conquistadores
Two sides with contrasting starts to the Primeira Liga 2026-2027 season will face off on Sunday when Vitoria Guimaraes, who sit 17th on the table with no points from two games, host Nacional Madeira Funchal, who are second on the log with four points.
Tiago Margarido has taken the reins at Estadio D. Afonso Henriques and brought a more aggressive identity to the Conquistadores, who have been more involved in duels and more direct in their style of play, although their recent matchup of results - 1-1 draw away to Nottingham Forest, 0-1 home defeat to FC Arouca and a 2-3 defeat away to Sporting CP - leaves much to be desired.
Miguel Nogueira has been Vitoria's most creative performer so far with 1 assist in two appearances in the Primeira Liga 2026-2027 and his final ball has been the best way in which the home side have found a way into the penalty box this season. Up front, Alioune Ndoye has been their sharpest finisher with one goal in two Primeira Liga 2026-2027 matches.
Nacional have a different playing style to most teams
Joao Giao's Nacional have been the opposite to most sides in Portugal in the sense that they have been compact, adaptable and have allowed the opposition to have the bulk of possession before punching their way through in transition. In fact, they have looked like a side that has sat back in a disciplined block and waited for the right moment to pounce, as their results this season suggest with one win, three draws and one defeat in their last five.
Leonardo Santos has been their most potent finisher with one goal in two Primeira Liga 2026/2027 matches and will again be the main threat on Sunday. The alvi-negro have conceded 2.00 goals per away match in the Primeira Liga 2026/2027 so their backline has not been the most solid while their return of four points from as many games played is solid.
Draw looks the best play
Although the home team are the favourites at 18/25, the draw at 29/10 and Nacional at 19/5 are very attractive odds. We'll edge towards Nacional getting at least a point here because they are the more settled team at the moment and the form book doesn't lie.
Vitoria are on a two-match losing streak and Nacional have looked really solid recently so it could be a cagey contest rather than a runaway victory. Both teams to score at 41/50 looks a live bet, however, as Vitoria's home edge is pretty slim and Nacional have the ability to nick a goal on the break.
The last meeting between the two sides, three months ago in the Primeira Liga 2025/2026, was won 2-0 by Nacional as visitors, a result that will encourage the away team to get something on the board this weekend.
