Nacional earned their first win of the Portuguese I Liga season on Sunday by defeating Estoril Praia 2-0 at the Estádio da Madeira.
The hosts capitalised on a first-half red card for Estoril midfielder Xeka, taking control after the break with second-half goals from defender Zé Vítor and Léo Santos.
The victory moved Nacional, managed by João Gião, provisionally into second place in the top flight with four points, following an opening-weekend 2-2 draw against Santa Clara. Lisbon side Estoril Praia, led by coach Vasco Matos, dropped to 15th place with one point after starting their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Famalicão.
Nacional, formally known as Clube Desportivo Nacional, is an island club based in Funchal on Madeira. The team plays its home matches at the Estádio da Madeira, situated high above the island capital, while Estoril Praia represents the coastal town of Estoril near Lisbon in Portugal's top professional division.
Early Estoril pressure and red card
While playing with eleven men, Estoril created the clearer scoring opportunities during the opening stages. Nacional goalkeeper Renato Marin produced several decisive saves to keep the home team level.
In the 21st minute, Xeka forced the Brazilian goalkeeper into a sharp save with a powerful strike from distance. Estoril forward André Lacximicant then had two quick chances to score, shooting straight at Marin in the 26th minute before the keeper stopped another effort from the left side a minute later.
The match changed direction in the 32nd minute when Xeka received a second yellow card. The Portuguese midfielder raised his foot dangerously in a challenge with Daniel Júnior, leaving Estoril with ten players for nearly an hour of match time.
With an extra man on the pitch, Nacional began dictating play. Defender Zé Vítor nearly scored before the break when his long-range shot missed the target by centimeters.
Second half breakthrough for Nacional
Nacional sustained their pressure after the restart. Markus Jensen sent a shot narrowly over the crossbar in the 64th minute, and Filipe Soares just failed to turn the ball in from close range in the 67th minute.
The opening goal arrived in the 68th minute when Zé Vítor tried another shot from outside the penalty area. His strike took a heavy deflection off defender Tsoungi's back, leaving goalkeeper Joel Robles helpless as the ball spun into the net.
Nacional sealed the win in the 77th minute when Léo Santos moved forward for a corner kick. The defender outjumped the entire Estoril defence to head home from close range and complete the 2-0 victory.
