Ramírez Hat-Trick Not Enough as Nacional Draw 3-3 Thriller

FUNCHAL, PORTUGAL — In a pulsating Portuguese Primeira Liga encounter that epitomized the league's unpredictable nature, C.D. Nacional and Santa Clara battled to a breathtaking 3-3 draw at Estádio da Madeira. Elias Manoel's dramatic 95th-minute equalizer salvaged a point for Santa Clara, ensuring a thrilling conclusion to a match that kept fans on the edge of their seats.

The contest erupted into life from the opening moments, with Vinícius Lopes giving Santa Clara a dream start. Just four minutes in, the striker exploited a momentary defensive lapse, finding space in the center of the box and rifling a precise right-footed shot past Kaique that stunned the home crowd. Nacional, however, refused to be intimidated, responding with characteristic resilience.

Chuchu Ramírez emerged as the match's standout performer, single-handedly dragging his team back into contention with a scintillating hat-trick. His first goal came in the 21st minute, converting from close range after a clever headed assist from Paulinho Bóia that demonstrated Nacional's attacking intent. Ramírez then showcased his clinical nature by converting a penalty in the 38th minute, coolly dispatching a right-footed effort into the bottom right corner.

Just before halftime, Paulo Victor restored parity for Santa Clara with a moment of individual brilliance. The midfielder curled a sublime left-footed shot from the left side of the box, finding the bottom right corner and ensuring the teams went into the break deadlocked at 2-2.

The second half belonged to Ramírez, who completed his hat-trick with a spectacular 50th-minute strike. Receiving a perfectly weighted pass from Liziero in the center of the box, he unleashed a left-footed thunderbolt that flew into the top left corner, leaving Gabriel Batista rooted to the spot and the home fans in raptures.

Santa Clara's statistical dominance told a different story, however. They controlled 54.2% of possession and created significantly more opportunities, firing 22 shots compared to Nacional's 13. Eight corners versus two further illustrated their attacking intent, despite repeatedly falling behind.

The match was a fiery encounter that demanded the referee's constant attention. Eight yellow cards were brandished as both teams committed to an aggressive, high-tempo style of play. Nacional accumulated 14 fouls to Santa Clara's 11, with the intensity never wavering despite the scoreline's constant fluctuations.

As the match entered its final stages, Santa Clara's persistent pressure finally bore fruit. A 95th-minute corner saw Gabriel Batista's initial header miss to the left, but the ball fell perfectly for substitute Elias Manoel. Positioned on the left side of the six-yard box, he drilled a right-footed shot into the bottom left corner, sending the visiting supporters into delirium.

The defensive units were thoroughly tested throughout. Kaique made three crucial saves for Nacional, while Gabriel Batista was equally challenged at the other end. The six goals, shared between seven different players, highlighted the depth of talent and attacking ambition on display.

The result maintains the status quo in the league standings, with both teams locked on 15 points and separated only by goal difference. Nacional sit 11th, with Santa Clara just below them in 12th, their mid-table battle continuing to intrigue.

Looking ahead, C.D. Nacional will host Gil Vicente on January 18, while Santa Clara will welcome FC Famalicão, both teams hoping to build on the attacking momentum displayed in this extraordinary encounter. For neutrals, this match was a reminder of the Portuguese Primeira Liga's capacity for drama, unpredictability, and pure, unadulterated footballing entertainment.