Unseen hero's early header lifts Estoril at Nacional | OneFootball

Felix Bacher settled it in the ninth minute with a close-range header, giving Estoril a 1-0 win at Nacional.

The Austrian defender timed his run to the near post and nodded in from very close range after João Carvalho's corner (9.). It was a simple finish from a well-worked set piece and it put the visitors in control early on.

Bacher remained a threat at dead balls. He rose again from another first half delivery and headed wide (38.), underlining how Estoril kept aiming for him at restarts.

He coupled that attacking edge with a composed defensive shift: two attempts, one on target, plus three clearances, five possessions won and four aerial duels won. It was the blend Estoril needed to protect the advantage.

Because Estoril's set piece supply was consistent and the blocks created room for him to attack, Bacher repeatedly found favourable starting positions inside the six-yard box.

Estoril climb to seventh and host Rio Ave next. Nacional, 16th, visit Famalicão next.