Breakthrough Goal by Joujou Sends Famalicão into Liga’s Top Five

Joujou edges Famalicão past Nacional in Funchal thriller

FC Famalicão needed a single flash of inspiration to leave Madeira with all three points, and it arrived seconds before half-time when French forward Antoine Joujou drove home the only goal of the afternoon. The 1–0 victory over CD Nacional, recorded on 1 November at Estádio da Madeira, stretched the visitors’ unbeaten sequence to five league matches and propelled them into the top five of Liga Portugal Betclic.

A goal on the cusp of the interval

As the first period moved into added time, Famalicão pieced together their clearest move. A quick combination through the centre released Joujou, who kept his composure and found the far corner at 45+2 minutes. The strike was the 21-year-old’s first since arriving from France in August, rewarding head coach Hugo Oliveira for handing him just his third league start.

Key incidents

• 10th round, Liga Portugal Betclic 2025/26• Venue: Estádio da Madeira (Choupana), Funchal• Scorer: Joujou 45+2’ (0–1)• Red card: Zé Vítor (Nacional) 63’ — second yellow• Player of the Match (media vote): Sorriso (Famalicão)

Tactical picture

Oliveira’s men were content to allow Nacional lengthy spells of harmless possession, directing play toward the flanks before springing forward in transition. The home side struggled to turn territorial dominance into chances, and their hopes faded further after centre-back Zé Vítor’s dismissal midway through the second half. Famalicão, however, failed to add a cushion, twice hitting the woodwork and forcing a fingertip save from goalkeeper Lucas França.

Manager’s verdict

Speaking afterwards, Hugo Oliveira praised his squad’s "mature and solid" display, yet admitted that nerves crept in once they faced ten men: "We should have managed the ball better and killed the contest earlier," he reflected. The coach also referenced the slippery surface, describing it as an early obstacle before his side "connected through central areas and created the decisive moment."

Historical footnote

The triumph marked only Famalicão’s second league win on the island in nearly 35 years, breaking a run that dated back to the late 1980s. For Nacional, the result continued a difficult stretch at Choupana, where they have now tasted defeat in three of their last four outings.

Standings impact

Famalicão climbed provisionally to fifth place on 19 points, maintaining pressure on the European qualification spots. Nacional remained in the lower half, three points above the drop zone, and face a potentially pivotal trip to Estoril next weekend.

Joujou’s breakthrough

Before kick-off the former Le Havre talent had amassed 244 league minutes without a goal or assist. Breaking that duck not only secured a rare away success for the Minho outfit but also underscored the depth in Oliveira’s attacking options, which already include the in-form Sorriso and the experienced Jhonder Cádiz.

What’s next

Famalicão return to Estádio Municipal for a clash with Boavista, aiming to cement their place among the early front-runners, while Nacional look to regroup quickly ahead of a crucial two-match stretch that could define their autumn.