Gil Vicente v Nacional: top-four push meets lower-half fight | OneFootball

Gil Vicente host Nacional in Liga Portugal on Saturday, 17 January 2026 at Estádio Cidade de Barcelos, with the hosts defending fourth place and the visitors looking to pull further clear of the bottom end.

Gil Vicente have won the last three league meetings between the sides and arrive unbeaten in five, though all five finished level. Nacional's recent run is one win in five. Notably, the Madeira club have collected more points away than at home this season.

Defensively, Gil Vicente look the sounder unit: nine clean sheets and only 12 goals conceded so far. Nacional have shipped 26 and kept two clean sheets. In attack, Jesús Andrés Ramírez is fourth in the Liga Portugal scoring chart with 12 goals, while Pablo De Jesus leads the home side with 10. Creators to watch include Luis Esteves for Gil Vicente and Liziero for Nacional, both on four league assists.

The game could hinge on how the visitors break down a disciplined back line. Gil Vicente concede 0.7 goals per game and may try to control territory, while Nacional's threat in transition through Ramírez could test that record. Set pieces have been a limited route for both, with Gil Vicente scoring two and Nacional none from dead balls so far.

A home win would strengthen Gil Vicente's grip on the European qualification place they currently occupy. Three points for Nacional would push them towards mid-table and add daylight to the relegation fight below.