Analysis The numbers behind the result
Santa Clara edge tight contest despite Viseu's possession
The result was justified by the expected goals (xG) trend, with Santa Clara (1.26 xG) narrowly outperforming Academico Viseu (0.69 xG) despite the hosts' dominance in possession (60%). Viseu's control of the ball translated into a higher volume of shots (10 vs 8) and corners (4 vs 2), but their efforts lacked precision, managing just one shot on target. In contrast, Santa Clara were more clinical, converting their sole clear chance — a 14th-minute penalty from Gonçalo Paciência — into the decisive goal.
Tactically, Santa Clara absorbed pressure effectively, restricting Viseu’s ability to create high-quality chances despite their territorial advantage. The visitors' defensive discipline was evident in their three yellow cards, including two in quick succession late in the game. Viseu’s substitutions aimed to inject creativity, but their attacking play remained disjointed, reflected in their low xG total.
The key stat explaining the outcome is Santa Clara’s efficiency in converting their xG (100%) compared to Viseu’s inability to capitalise on theirs (0%). Paciência’s early penalty proved the difference in a game where chances were scarce.