AVS vs Moreirense Match Recap - Jan 3, 2026

Moreirense Dominates AVS, Solidifying Mid-Table Position While AVS Remains Winless

Moreirense's 2-0 victory over AVS underscores the stark contrast in their current trajectories. Moreirense, now sitting comfortably in eighth place with 21 points, showcased a disciplined performance that highlighted their tactical superiority and individual talent, particularly from Guilherme Schettine and Diogo Travassos. Meanwhile, AVS continues to languish at the bottom of the table, still searching for their first win of the season, now with a dismal record of 0 wins, 4 draws, and 12 losses.

Moreirense's ability to control the match was evident in their statistics. They dominated possession with 63%, significantly outpacing AVS's 37%. This control allowed them to dictate the pace and flow of the game, limiting AVS's chances to counter effectively. The disparity in total passes-212 for Moreirense compared to just 127 for AVS-further illustrates how well Moreirense executed their game plan, maintaining pressure while stifling any potential threats from AVS.

The individual performances of key players were pivotal. Travassos, who scored the opening goal in the 12th minute, has been a consistent performer for Moreirense, adding to his tally after a strong showing in recent matches. His ability to find space and convert opportunities has been crucial for a team that has struggled for consistency this season. Similarly, Schettine, who netted the second goal shortly after halftime, continues to be a focal point in Moreirense's attack, demonstrating his knack for being in the right place at the right time.

AVS's struggles were compounded by their inability to generate offensive pressure. They managed only two total shots, with none on target, reflecting a concerning trend that has plagued them throughout the season. Their last five matches have seen them average less than one shot on target per game, a statistic that speaks volumes about their attacking impotence. The lack of creativity and cohesion in midfield was glaring, as they failed to connect passes effectively, achieving only 76% pass accuracy compared to Moreirense's impressive 87%.

Defensively, AVS has shown vulnerability that Moreirense exploited effectively. The five-man defensive setup employed by AVS did little to stem the tide of Moreirense's attacks. With Moreirense registering an expected goals (xG) of 0.34 against AVS's 0.03, it is clear that AVS not only struggled to create chances but also failed to defend against those presented by their opponents. This trend of conceding high-quality chances has been a recurring theme for AVS, leading to their current position at the bottom of the league.

Recent form for both teams paints a vivid picture of their current states. Moreirense entered this match after a series of mixed results but managed to find a rhythm against AVS. Their previous match against Estrela ended in a goalless draw, but today's performance suggests they have regained some confidence. In contrast, AVS's last five matches have yielded just one point from a possible 15, with their most recent outing resulting in a heavy defeat against FC Porto. This ongoing struggle raises questions about their tactical approach and whether changes are needed to salvage their season.

The implications of this match extend beyond just three points. For Moreirense, this victory solidifies their mid-table position and keeps them within striking distance of European qualification spots. Their ability to capitalize on AVS's weaknesses could serve as a blueprint for future matches against similarly positioned teams. For AVS, the loss deepens their crisis and raises urgent questions about their strategy moving forward. With their next match against Arouca looming, they must find a way to break their winless streak or risk further entrenchment at the bottom of the table.

The narrative surrounding this fixture is one of contrasting fortunes. Moreirense's resurgence is marked by effective teamwork and individual brilliance, while AVS's plight continues to deepen as they struggle to find any semblance of form or confidence. As both teams look ahead, Moreirense will aim to build on this momentum against Tondela, while AVS must regroup quickly if they hope to turn their season around before it slips further away from them.