Unseen hero in goal underpins Nacional with first half saves | OneFootball

Kaíque turned the game in the 31st minute with a sharp save from Clayton, setting up Nacional's 4-0 win over Rio Ave.

The goalkeeper's first big moment came as he stood up to Clayton from close range, parrying away to keep the contest level. He then reacted again to smother another effort (33.).

Kaíque stayed busy as the half wore on, tipping over João Tomé's header (36.). In the second minute of first half stoppage time he pushed aside Marius Vrushaj's rising strike to preserve control before the interval.

After the restart he was alert once more, springing right to push away Dário Spikic's attempt (58.). Moments later he gathered Vrushaj's drive cleanly (63.), denying any momentum shift.

He finished with six saves, plus two high claims and a punch, a calm handling display that blunted Rio Ave's crossing and direct balls. That platform allowed Nacional to play higher after the break and pull clear.

Nacional rise from 15th to 11th in Liga Portugal and visit Sporting CP next. Rio Ave drop from 11th to 12th and host Arouca next.