The Portuguese League Cup group stage continues on Friday, as Group G rivals Santa Clara host Arouca. Santa Clara are bottom of Group G ahead of their fourth match in the competition.
Just one point was taken from Santa Clara’s three opening matches in Group G. A 2-1 loss to Leixoes was followed by a 1-1 draw with Oliveirense. Santa Clara then lost 4-3 to Feirense.
𝑷𝒓𝒆𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒅𝒐𝒔 𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒂 𝒐 𝒅𝒆𝒔𝒂𝒇𝒊𝒐 ⚔️🔜 Santa Clara#Renascer #DePrimeira #AmorEPaixao #LobosDeArouca pic.twitter.com/OXQkH3feXy— FC Arouca (@OficialFCArouca) December 14, 2022
𝑷𝒓𝒆𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒅𝒐𝒔 𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒂 𝒐 𝒅𝒆𝒔𝒂𝒇𝒊𝒐 ⚔️🔜 Santa Clara#Renascer #DePrimeira #AmorEPaixao #LobosDeArouca pic.twitter.com/OXQkH3feXy
Arouca are second in the group ahead of match No 4. The team picked up back-to-back draws to open the group stage, with a 1-1 result against Feirense and a 1-1 stalemate with Leixoes. Arouca defeated Oliveirense 3-0 in their third match of the group stage.
The Arouquenses are second in Group G ahead of the trip to Santa Clara. Arouca could go top of the table on Friday, but they will need Leixoes to drop points against Feirense.
The last six matches between Santa Clara and Arouca were divided into two wins, two draws, and two losses apiece. Arouca and Santa Clara are both in the Portuguese top flight, and Friday’s match will be the second meeting of the campaign between them.
Arouca went to Santa Clara in August and left with a 2-1 win. The Arouquenses are unbeaten in back-to-back games against Santa Clara.
Santa Clara are not having a strong season in the Portuguese top flight. Their poor start to the campaign, 13 points from 13 games, could affect their performance in the League Cup.
Arouca started the league season in slightly better shape. The Arouquenses are ninth in the table during the current league break for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. However, Arouca are still just 10 points above the relegation zone.
Santa Clara are led in goals in the league by Kennedy Boateng, Matheus Babi, and Rildo. The trio have combined for six goals, two each, in the Portuguese top flight.
Arouca are led in league goals by Rafa Mujica and Antony. The duo has bagged a combined six goals, with three apiece in the league.
Group G has been a high-scoring group in the Portuguese League Cup. Santa Clara have scored five goals while conceding seven times. Arouca scored five goals in their opening three games while allowing two goals.
Friday’s League Cup Group G match should be close with the match ending in a 1-1 draw. It will be Arouca’s third draw of the group stage, and it will keep them in line to progress to the next round.