## Nacional vs. Porto: A Clash at the Summit of Portuguese Football
By Adeyeye Oluwapelumi
First League leaders Porto travel to Madeira to face Nacional on Sunday in a matchday 22 encounter that could significantly impact the Primeira Liga title race. While Porto aims to regain their winning momentum, Nacional seeks to distance themselves from the relegation zone. This promises to be a captivating contest between a side battling for glory and another fighting for survival.
### Porto’s Recent Wobble
For much of the Primeira Liga campaign, Porto has appeared dominant, but recent results have introduced a slight wobble. The Dragons haven’t secured a win in consecutive games for the first time this season, following a 1-1 draw against Sporting in *O Clássico*. Luis Suarez’s late equalizer salvaged a point, but it wasn’t enough to fully quell concerns. Despite this minor setback, Porto remains four points clear at the summit, boasting an impressive record of 18 wins in 21 fixtures. Their success is built on a rock-solid defense, having conceded a league-low seven goals, while also demonstrating attacking prowess with 42 goals scored.
Porto’s away form has been particularly impressive, winning 10 of their 11 league matches on the road – the best record in the division. They will draw confidence from their historical dominance over Nacional, having won 11 of their last 13 Primeira Liga meetings. However, a 2-0 defeat on their previous visit to Madeira serves as a cautionary tale.
### Nacional’s Fight for Survival
Nacional is aiming for consecutive home victories in this fixture for the first time, but their overall form is a cause for concern. They’ve only won two of their last 13 league matches, drawing five and losing six. Despite controlling possession and generating more shots on target than Casa Pia last weekend, they failed to find the back of the net, marking their first scoreless game in seven matches.
Currently 13th in the standings with 21 points, Nacional is just four points above the relegation playoff place, making this match crucial for creating breathing space. Their home form has shown improvement, remaining unbeaten in their last four league matches (two wins, two draws), a significant contrast to earlier struggles on their own turf.
**Nacional Primeira Liga form:**
**Porto Primeira Liga form:**
**Porto form (all competitions):**
### Team News & Potential Lineups
Nacional will be without left-back Jose Gomes due to injury, while Leo Santos is suspended. Ivanildo Fernandes, Ulisses, Filipe Soares, Lenny Vallier, and Joao Aurelio are also sidelined.
Porto faces several absences, including Francisco Moura (suspended) and Samu Omorodion (knee injury). Deniz Gul is expected to lead the attack in place of the injured Luuk de Jong. Defensive concerns linger with Jakub Kiwior and Martim Fernandes facing fitness tests, while Nehuen Perez continues his recovery.
**Nacional possible starting lineup:** Pereira; Nunez, Goncalves, Ze Vitor, Gomes; Liziero, Dias; Baeza; Veron, Ramirez, Boia
**Porto possible starting lineup:** D. Costa; A. Costa, Silva, Bednarek, Fernandes; Froholdt, Varela, Veiga; Pepe, Gul, Sainz
### Key Battle & Prediction
A victory for Porto could temporarily extend their lead at the top, and their ability to grind out controlled away wins is a key strength. The visitors have kept a clean sheet in each of their last five away victories, with three decided by a single goal. Another narrow success seems likely.
For in-depth data analysis, including predicted results and scorelines, [click here](https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/preview/nacional-vs-porto-preview-prediction-team-news-lineups_532611.html).
**Prediction:** Nacional 0-1 Porto
