Portuguese football club Nacional has shown significant improvement this season under coach Tiago Margarido, securing a stronger league position ahead of a challenging match against powerhouse Benfica, a team against whom they have a historically difficult record.
Nacional currently sits in 10th place in the league standings after 11 matchdays. At the same point last season, the team was in 17th position, struggling in the relegation zone.
The club has amassed 12 points this season, a four-point increase from the 8 points they had at this stage last year. This includes three wins and three draws, compared to two wins and two draws in the previous season.
They have also reduced their losses from seven to five. Margarido’s squad has scored 11 goals this season, up from six, and conceded 15, an improvement from 17.
This enhanced performance places Nacional three points above the league’s playoff zone and six points clear of direct relegation spots. Coach Margarido has attributed some of this improvement to having “more and better forwards” this year.
Nacional will host Benfica this Saturday at their home stadium. Benfica arrives motivated by a recent victory in the Champions League.
Historically, Nacional has struggled against Benfica, with victories being rare occurrences. The best recent results against the Lisbon giants were a 1-1 away draw in the 2020/2021 season and a 2-2 home draw in the 2012/2013 season.
Nacional’s last victory over Benfica dates back to August 21, 2010, a 2-1 win under then-coach Jokanovic against a Benfica side managed by Jorge Jesus.
Earlier victories include a 3-1 win in 2009 under Manuel Machado, a 3-2 victory in 2004 with Casemiro Mior at the helm, and a 1-0 win in 2002 led by José Peseiro.
Coach Margarido, who is in his third season leading Nacional, has often cited José Mourinho as his main coaching reference.