Something feels off with Santa Clara this season. Under coach Vasco Matos, we’re used to seeing a team that stands firm in defense and hits hard up front. But eight games in, they’re not quite living up to that image. It’s a puzzling start for a club known for its clear identity on the field.
Their attack has been especially quiet. Santa Clara has only managed six goals so far. That’s a stark contrast to what we’ve seen in the recent past under Matos. In the 2023/24 Second League season, they had already scored 10 goals by this point. Last year, in the First League, they were even better with 11 goals after eight matches. This year’s numbers show a clear struggle to find the net.
Curiously, their defense isn’t the biggest worry. They’ve only conceded one more goal than their weakest defensive start from the 2024/25 season after eight games. The real head-scratcher is their offensive silence. Statistics show Santa Clara creates a lot of chances, ranking sixth in the league for opportunities made. Yet, those chances aren’t turning into goals, leaving many wondering what’s missing.
This offensive slump is hitting key players, too. Gabriel Silva, often a spark in their attacking play, has had a quiet season in the First League. He lost his spot in the starting lineup after being substituted against Alverca. Things worsened recently, as he wasn’t even called up for the match in Guimarães, where Santa Clara ended up losing. His dip in form highlights the wider issues plaguing the island club’s push forward.