AVS v Santa Clara: survival fight meets visitors' momentum | OneFootball

AVS host Santa Clara in Liga Portugal on Sunday, 15 March 2026 at Estádio Clube Desportivo das Aves, with the bottom side desperate for points and the visitors aiming to firm up their position above the drop.

Santa Clara have won all five previous meetings between these clubs, including a 2-0 victory earlier this season, while AVS start the day 18th with a sizeable task to stay up.

Form points to a contrast in momentum. AVS have taken two goalless draws on the spin after a heavy loss at Benfica, while Santa Clara are unbeaten in three after back-to-back defeats, capped by a 2-0 win over Vitória S.C.

Season numbers outline the match-up. AVS average 0.7 goals per game and have conceded 57 at 2.3 per game, with 40% possession and 73.81% passing accuracy. Santa Clara have been tighter, conceding 31 at 1.2 per game, averaging 48% possession and 80.08% passing accuracy, and collecting six clean sheets.

Both sides deliver plenty of crosses from open play, but the visitors have four headed goals to the hosts' none, so wide supply could matter. Vinicius leads Santa Clara's league scoring with five, and their 100% record from six penalties this season adds another route if pressure tells.

A win would lift AVS to 13 points and keep their survival bid alive, though they would remain in the relegation places. Santa Clara would rise to 25 points with victory, which could extend their cushion over 17th and edge them closer to safety.