CD Santa Clara’s dream European run continues as Vasco Matos’ side cruise to 3-0 victory over Larne FC | OneFootball

Irish defender Ryan Nolan was handed a glorious chance to give Larne FC an early lead when the ball fell to him in the box in the 19th minute. Unfortunately, that was as good as it would get for the home side in this UEFA Conference League qualifying match. Following Nolan’s tame header, which CD Santa Clara keeper Gabriel Batista was able to brush aside for a corner, the visitors took control of this affair, scoring goals in the 26th, 33rd, and 36th minutes to take a commanding 3-0 lead in this tie.

The Northern Ireland club was outplayed on the night, with Santa Clara’s potent attack proving too much for Nathan Rooney’s side. Forward Gabriel Silva and defender Frederico Venâncio were particularly impressive, working well together to dissect the Larne defence and placing Santa Clara in an ideal situation for the return leg on August 14.

First-half blitz sees Santa Clara perfectly positioned for Conference League

Like many European matchups, the game started slowly with both sides unwilling to take any chances. Larne, who came into the game with a 4-3-3 formation, pushed up early on, but were unable to test Batista. Santa Clara grew into the match, with their first big opportunity falling to their in-form striker Gabriel Silva. The Brazilian found himself inside the box when a well-timed pass found him, but his curling shot flew just wide. That would not be the strikers' only chance of the night.

Santa Clara continued to find space, and it didn't take long for the visitors to open the scoring. Silva was once again involved, this time playing the role of provider. Defender Venâncio has to take some of the credit after a perfectly weighted pass from the back found Silva, who was able to wrap his foot around the ball and provide a pinpoint cross to Wendel Silva. The forward made no mistake, tapping in from close range. That, however, was only the beginning.

Santa Clara kept their foot on the pedal with their front three of Silva, Wendel and Vinícius Lopes continuing to cause problems. In the 33rd minute, it was Silva's turn to get on the scoresheet, with the 23-year-old connecting with Venâncio once again and calmly placing the ball in the back of the net from close range. Silva went on to record his second goal of the night after latching on to a pass from Serginho in stride and placing the ball in the bottom left corner of the goal.

Santa Clara hold firm in second half

The second half was certainly more balanced, with both sides having chances to get on the scoresheet. Larne battled back, but were unable to break though. Former Arsenal Mark Randall midfielder had a free kick in a dangerous area, but was only able to fire his attempt into the wall.

For Santa Clara, Vinícius and Serginho both had opportunities, but in the end, some brave defending from the home side ensured that the Azores club were unable to score a fourth.

Vasco Matos continues dream run with Santa Clara

It is hard to imagine that not that long ago Santa Clara were competing the lower divisions. Manager Vasco Matos has done a phenomenal job since taking over the position in 2023, and should receive the bulk of the credit for the club's metoric rise.

After guiding the club to the Primeira Liga in 2024, Matos not only secured their survival in the top flight, but finished fifth in the table to earn a spot in Europe. Now, the islanders are now just 90 minutes away from a spot in the Conference League playoffs, a dream scenario for a club that sat in the Portuguese second division just 15 months ago.