FC Arouca is grappling with a historic defensive crisis in Portugal’s top football league, having conceded 30 goals in its first 11 matches of the 2025-26 season.
This dismal record marks the worst defensive performance after 11 rounds in the league this century. No other club has allowed as many goals at this stage in the current century.
Under coach Vasco Seabra, the club has already given up 61 percent of the total goals conceded in the entire previous season. Arouca finished the 2024-25 championship with 49 goals against them.
Arouca’s current struggles mirror those of Chaves, which also conceded 30 goals in its first 11 matches during the 2023-24 season.
Chaves ultimately suffered relegation that season, a stark warning for Arouca as they navigate the ongoing campaign.