Gabriel Silva’s second-half strike seals memorable European night for Santa Clara | OneFootball

CD Santa Clara manager Vasco Matos lined up with an aggressive 3-4-3 formation knowing that anthing less than a victory would end the club’s hopes of a place in Europe. The home side approached the game with an attacking intent, and were rewarded for their spirited performance with a 2-0 victory against Croatian side Varaždin in the second leg of the Conference League qualifying match.

Backed by a boisterous crowd at the Estádio de São Miguel, Santa Clara put pressure on the visitors from the first minute onwards. Vinícius and Gabriel Silva will receive the headlines for getting their names on the scoresheet, but this was an exceptional all-round performance from the Azores club. Sidney Lima and Luis Rocha were solid at the back, ensuring that keeper Gabriel Batista was rarely troubled. Adriano Firmino and Serginho played with a high intensity in the midfield that kept Santa Clara in control of the match.

Santa Clara will continue their European journey on August 7 in the third qualifying round. They still have a long way to go before they can progress to the 36-team league phase, but the islanders are now within touching distance of a place amongst some of Europe’s elite clubs.

Vinícius provides early breakthrough to calm nerves at Estádio de São Miguel

After losing the first leg in Croatia 2-1, Santa Clara came out with intent, knowing that they needed at least two goals to ensure a place in the next round.

The home side earned their second corner in the fourth minute and were able to break the deadlock when a clearance fell to Vinícius. The Brazilian striker controlled the ball with his chest and rocketed a phenomenal left-footed volley that left keeper Oliver Zelenika frozen. It was the perfect start for Matos’ men, who were now in a prime position to take control of the tie.

Gabriel Silva’s second-half goal secures win for Santa Clara

NK Varaždin are a well organized side and managed to work themselves back into the match after coping with the early onslaught, pushing forward in the second half.

Matej Vuk had their first chance in the 12th minute when he latched onto a cross at the back post, but was unable to trouble keeper. Another shot from the Croatian side flew over the goal in the 19th minute.

Going into the second half, Santa Clara looked the more likely to score. However, the Croatians picked their spots and weren’t content sitting back.

With the game hanging in the balance, a brilliant counter-attacking goal in the 68th minute gave Santa Clara the vital goal they were searching for. This time it was Gabriel Silva who found himself in the perfect position. Vinícius broke down the pitch and was able to fire a low shot that forced a save from Zelenika. Fortunately, Silva was on hand to pounce on the rebound, putting the ball in the back of the net to record his first goal of the season.

Matos continues to take Santa Clara to new heights

The decision to leave out Australian striker Anthony Carter may have raised some eyebrows, but it turned out to be the right move from the 44-year-old manager. Santa Clara have done well to retain the core of their 2024-25 squad, and Matos’ decision to turn to last season’s leading scorers Vinícius Lopes and Gabriel Silva paid off.

Now in his third season with the club, Matos is proving to be one of Portugal’s most exciting young managers. From leading the club out of the second division in 2024 to finishing fifth in Primeira Liga last season, it has been a truly remarkable run. Santa Clara are on the verge of making it to the European group stage for the first time in the club’s 104-year history, and Matos has to be applauded for the impact he has made since joining the club.

Santa Clara: Gabriel Batista, Sidney Lima, Luis Rocha, Frederico Venâncio, Lucas Soares, Matheus Pereira (Matheus Nunes, 89’), Adriano Firmino, Serginho (Pedro Ferreira, 79’), Vinícius Lopes (Miguel Pires, 89’), Wendel Silva (Anthony Carter, 79’), Gabriel Silva (Brenner, 86’)