Academica made a statement in their opening fixture, beating Shakversh 4:1 at home in the first round of the Liga de Portugal 2. The visitors showed no signs of nervousness, taking control early and never looking back. It was a result that spoke volumes about their preparation.
Marcos Paulo opened the scoring in the seventh minute, finding space where Shakversh had not been alert. The home side looked disorganised, and by then it was clear Academica had studied their opponents well. A. Rodrigues doubled the advantage before halftime, working a short corner to create the opportunity.
Shakversh tried to respond in the second half, but Academica's defence held firm. A. Coundoul added a third goal in the sixty-third minute, and P. Texel made it four in the seventy-ninth. The home side had possession but lacked the cutting edge to trouble the visitors.
And here's the thing about the statistics — Shakversh had 66 per cent possession and 105 attacks, yet only three shots on target from fifteen attempts. Academica, with just 34 per cent possession, converted 80 per cent of their shots on target. Four goals from four attempts is efficiency of a different kind.
The result leaves Shakversh bottom of the table with just one point from four games. Academica sit seventh with nine points from five matches, looking for a fourth straight win. To be fair, both sides have drawn or lost recently, so this was a chance to build momentum.
Shakversh will need to raise their game considerably if they are to avoid another heavy defeat. Academica came for a cross he never reached, but this time they were the ones scoring. The visitors will be confident heading into their next fixture.