FUNCHAL, Portugal (Interstat) — Nacional defeated Vitoria SC 2-0 on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Estádio da Madeira in a Primeira Liga season opener, with forward Jesús Ramírez scoring both goals.

Ramírez opened the scoring in the 69th minute and added his second later in the match, finishing with a two-goal performance. The forward’s brace powered Nacional to a victory that matched pregame expectations from Interstat’s ELO system, which gave the home side a 62.40 percent probability of winning.

The match featured seven yellow cards, including three issued in the 32nd minute alone. Vitoria SC midfielder Filipe Soares, forward Witi and substitute Francisco Dias each received bookings in that sequence. Nacional defender José Gomes was cautioned in the 25th minute, and substitute Ricardo Rocha picked up a yellow card in the 14th minute. Matheus Dias of Nacional was booked in the 54th minute, and Vitoria SC substitute Zeega received a yellow card in the 84th minute.

Nacional’s first-year record in Primeira Liga play stands at 1 win and 0 losses, while Vitoria SC opens at 0 wins and 1 loss. The same records apply across all competitions.

Key performances included assists from six different players. Defender José Gomes, substitute Francisco Dias, midfielder Matheus Dias, substitute Zeega, midfielder Filipe Soares, forward Witi and substitute Ricardo Rocha each recorded one assist, a reflection of the collective effort that created chances for Ramírez.

Vitoria SC’s defense held firm for much of the first half but could not contain Ramírez after the interval. The home side dominated possession in the second half and eventually broke through in the 69th minute with Ramírez’s first goal. His second goal sealed the result in the closing stages, though the exact minute was not recorded in match data.

The loss leaves Vitoria SC looking for answers as they prepare for their next fixture. Nacional, meanwhile, will aim to build on the momentum of a clean-sheet victory at home.

Interstat’s game simulator had projected a final score of Nacional 1, Vitoria SC 1, a prediction that did not account for the two-goal performance from Ramírez or the defensive discipline shown by the Nacional back line. The ELO system’s 62.40 percent win probability for Nacional proved more accurate, as the home team delivered a performance that matched the statistical forecast.