Football Season Guide

Back to top flight one year after having been relegated. Nacional had a dreadful defensive performance that season, having conceded 73 goals, including an infamous 0-10 defeat at Estádio da Luz. Madeirenses recovered their pride last year with a solid run: 50 points in the 24 games played (championship stopped during the lockdown period and wasn't resumed); 2 more than the also promoted Farense and 8 points away from 3rd place. The attacking trio formed by Rochez, Camacho and Riascos was the team's strongest link, scoring 27 goals between the three. Former Portuguese international, the playmaker Ruben Micael is the most recognizable name on a squad made mostly by players with top flight experience. Coach Luís Freire is a debutant at top flight level and will have the mission to break the tendency for Nacional to be up and down between first and second divisions. Pedrão and Kal are good additions for the back; Koziello should replace Vítor Gonçalves in midfield, while Bobal is a credited striker who will give Riascos a strong competition.