Nacional Aim to Seal Safety as Relegated AVS Visit Madeira

Key facts

• Nacional have 31 points from 31 matches, five above the relegation playoff spot.
• AVS have lost 19 of 31 league games and scored a league-low 22 goals.
• Jesus Ramirez scored his third goal in four games in Nacional's 2-0 win at Tondela.
• AVS are winless away this season and have not beaten Nacional in five meetings since November 2023.
• AVS drew 1-1 with Sporting Lisbon on April 26, with Pedro Lima converting a 66th-minute penalty.
• Nacional's Lucas Franca (thigh), Ivanildo Fernandes (muscle) and Ulisses (collarbone) remain injured.

Lede: Survival in Sight for Nacional

Nacional can take a decisive step toward securing their Primeira Liga status when they host already-relegated AVS at the Estadio da Madeira on Saturday, in round 32 of the Portuguese top flight. A run of three victories in their last four matches has lifted Tiago Margarido's side to 14th place with 31 points, five clear of 16th-placed Casa Pia in the relegation playoff position with three games remaining. The Alvinegros are aiming to extend their two-year stay in the top division after a mid-season slump that saw them go eight consecutive matches without a win between February 1 and March 21.

Recent Form: Three Wins in Four

Nacional's resurgence has been built on solid team performances, most notably a 2-0 victory at Tondela on April 24 — their first win in 14 away matches across all competitions since October. In-form striker Jesus Ramirez opened the scoring midway through the first half, netting his third goal in four games, before Colombian defender Brayan Medina turned the ball into his own net in the 31st minute to double Nacional's advantage. The only blemish in their recent run was a 2-0 loss to title-chasers Benfica on April 12, but victories against Estrela Amadora and Alverca have kept them clear of immediate danger.

AVS: A Season of Woes

AVS are heading back to the second tier after just two years in the Primeira Liga, having won only one league match all season and lost 19 of their 31 outings. João Henriques's side have scored a league-low 22 goals and conceded 65 — five more than any other team in the division — while failing to register a single away victory this campaign. Their brief top-flight stint, which began after defeating Vizela in a relegation playoff barely one year ago, has ended in another woeful campaign, with relegation already mathematically confirmed.

Head-to-Head: Nacional Dominant

Nacional have not lost to AVS in their last five encounters since November 2023, winning three and drawing two. AVS produced one of their best displays of the season last Saturday, fighting back to earn a 1-1 draw against title contenders Sporting Lisbon at the Estadio do CD das Aves. Rafael Nel had put Sporting ahead two minutes into the second half, but Pedro Lima converted a 66th-minute penalty to dent the Leoes' title hopes and give AVS a rare moment of cheer.

Team News: Nacional Injury Concerns

Nacional will be without several key players due to injury, with Lucas Franca (thigh), Ivanildo Fernandes (muscle) and Brazilian defender Ulisses (collarbone) all sidelined. There has been no positive update on their recovery, meaning Tiago Margarido must again rely on the depth that has served him well during the recent upturn in form. AVS have no fresh injury concerns and are expected to field a similar lineup to the one that earned a point against Sporting Lisbon.

Stakes and Outlook

A win for Nacional would all but confirm their safety, putting them eight points clear of the relegation playoff spot with only two matches left. For AVS, the final three games are an opportunity to restore some pride and perhaps secure a first away victory of the season, though their record against Nacional suggests that will be a tall order. The match at the Estadio da Madeira kicks off at a crucial juncture for both clubs, with Nacional fighting for their top-flight future and AVS already planning for life in the second division.

The bottom line

• Nacional have won three of their last four matches to climb five points clear of the relegation playoff spot.
• AVS are already relegated after winning just one league game all season and conceding a league-high 65 goals.
• Jesus Ramirez has scored three goals in his last four appearances for Nacional.
• AVS have not won away this season and are winless in five meetings with Nacional since November 2023.
• Nacional are missing Lucas Franca, Ivanildo Fernandes and Ulisses through injury.
• A victory on Saturday would virtually guarantee Nacional's survival with two games remaining.