Primeira Liga
Estrela snatch dramatic 3-2 win over Nacional with late Antonetti strike
Leandro Antonetti's 83rd-minute goal sealed a come-from-behind victory for Estrela in Funchal, leaving Nacional winless in four matches.
Estrela rode a late surge to secure a 3-2 victory over Nacional at Estádio da Madeira, with Leandro Antonetti's 83rd-minute strike completing the turnaround. The hosts had led twice but were pegged back each time, ultimately succumbing to a result that leaves them searching for answers early in the Primeira Liga season.
At a glance
- Final score: Nacional 2-3 Estrela (Estádio da Madeira, Funchal)
- Estrela climb to 7th with 5 points after 3 games; Nacional drop to 9th with 4 points after 4 games
- Referee: Carlos Macedo (Portugal); kickoff: 14:30 UTC, August 30, 2026
Match context
The game burst into life inside three minutes when Wesley Gasolina opened the scoring for Nacional, slotting home a precise low cross from W. Kokolo. The early goal gave the hosts momentum, but Estrela responded just before halftime when I. Stoica converted a penalty to level proceedings at the break. The first half was bookended by discipline issues for Nacional, with Ze Vitor and Williams Kokolo both receiving yellow cards.
Nacional restored their lead in the 62nd minute through Pablo Ruan, whose close-range finish capitalised on a well-worked move involving G. Doue. However, Estrela's persistence paid off when A. Marcus found the net in the 62nd minute, assisted once again by G. Doue, drawing the visitors level.
Tactical consequences
With both teams tied at 2-2 heading into the final quarter, the match became a chess game of adjustments. Nacional's 3-4-2-1 formation, orchestrated by coach Giao Joao, struggled to break down Estrela's 4-3-3 setup under Pepa. The introduction of width and pressing intensity from Estrela paid dividends when L. Antonetti scored the decisive goal in the 83rd minute, assisted by Liziero.
The result lifts Estrela to seventh place in the Primeira Liga table after three matches, accumulating five points. Nacional, meanwhile, remain entrenched in the relegation zone after four games without a win, collecting just four points.
Key takeaways
| Club | Position | Games | Points | Result | Recent form |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Estrela | 7th | 3 | 5 | Win vs Nacional | Upward trajectory |
| Nacional | 9th | 4 | 4 | Loss vs Estrela | Winless streak |
- Estrela's resilience: Despite trailing twice, the visitors showed commendable character to secure all three points
- Nacional's defensive frailties: Conceding three goals, including two in the final 20 minutes, highlights ongoing defensive concerns
- Doue's influence: The assist provider featured in both of Estrela's second-half goals
- Discipline matters: Three yellow cards issued, two to Nacional players, disrupted their rhythm in crucial moments