Manager Tiago Margarido strategically rotated his squad, fielding five debutants and three academy players in Nacional’s Portuguese Cup victory, securing their progression and setting up a challenging clash against Sporting Braga.
Nacional advanced past Rebordelo in the third round of the competition. The match was notable for significant changes to the team’s usual lineup.
Five players made their first appearances of the season: Kevyn Vinícius, Deivison, Josué, Jota, and Daniel Júnior. For most of these individuals, this marked their absolute debut for the club.
The cup tie also provided an opportunity for three players trained within the club’s own system to feature. These included Jota, Martim Gustavo, and Francisco Gonçalves.
Martim Gustavo, 20, and Francisco Gonçalves, 21, were instrumental in the victory. Both scored goals, ensuring Nacional’s passage to the next stage.
Before this match, attacking midfielder Martim Gustavo had played 43 minutes across four first-tier league games. Defender Francisco Gonçalves had only accumulated 11 minutes of first-tier league play.
Nacional will now face Sporting Braga, a prominent top-tier club, in the next round of the cup competition.
The squad is scheduled to return to training on Monday at 9 AM UTC. The session will take place behind closed doors at Estádio da Madeira.