Match Centre

Marítimo's 2-1 xG advantage suggests they deserved more than a 2-0 defeat, but Santa Clara's clinical finishing proved decisive. Despite holding 52% possession and outshooting their opponents 17 to 11, Marítimo converted none of their six shots on target. Santa Clara, by contrast, scored two from just five on target, with Tiago Ribeiro (36') and Vinicius Lopes (60') delivering the crucial finishes.

Marítimo created higher-quality chances (12 shots inside the box vs Santa Clara's four) but were let down by poor execution, while Santa Clara maximised their opportunities. Two yellow cards for Marítimo in quick succession (60', 67') highlighted their frustration, and their inability to break down Santa Clara's defence was evident in their five corner kicks yielding no rewards.

The decisive stat was Santa Clara's shot conversion rate: 18% of their total shots resulted in goals, compared to Marítimo's 0%. Despite Marítimo's dominance, Santa Clara's efficiency in front of goal decided the match.