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TA’QALI, Malta, July 25, 2024 – Vitória de Guimarães kicked off the 2024/25 season with a hard-fought 1-0 win against Malta’s Floriana, courtesy of a crucial goal from Jota Silva. Despite facing challenges from a committed Floriana side and the synthetic pitch, the Portuguese team emerged victorious in their opening match.
The first official game for Portuguese clubs this season took place in the locality of Ta’Qali, Malta, marking several debuts. Rui Borges, 43, made his first appearance as Vitória de Guimarães’ head coach after his notable stint with rivals Moreirense. It was also Borges’ maiden match in European competitions.
Borges opted for a 4-3-3 formation, breaking the club’s recent trend of playing with three central defenders. New faces in the lineup included Alberto Baio as a right-back, João Mendes on the left, and Ricardo Mangas as a left-winger.
Vitória de Guimarães began the match under intense Maltese heat, struggling initially to adapt to the synthetic turf of the Centenary Stadium. Floriana took advantage of the conditions and had more opportunities in the first half-hour, including a powerful shot by Grech that hit the bar.
The Portuguese side gradually adapted to the pitch, with their first notable attempt coming at 32 minutes from Ricardo Mangas, whose first-time shot narrowly missed the goal. Just before halftime, Vitória found the net, but João Mendes’ goal was disallowed for offside.
Second Half Surge and Decisive Goal
Vitória de Guimarães returned for the second half with renewed vigor. Jota Silva was particularly influential, pressing the opponents and forcing a tight save from Mafoumbi at the 50-minute mark. Silva and Mangas frequently swapped wings, adding dynamism to their attack.
At 60 minutes, Floriana nearly took the lead when Tiaguinho crossed to Reid, whose shot was brilliantly blocked by Baio, demonstrating his defensive prowess.
Seeking to change the game, Borges introduced three substitutes at the 64-minute mark: Chuchu, Samu, and Kaio César, with the first two making their debuts. Kaio César quickly made an impact, but Mafoumbi kept the scores level.
The deadlock was finally broken at 78 minutes by the ever-reliable Jota Silva. Silva latched onto a precise pass from forward Chuchu Ramírez, shooting first-time past Mafoumbi to give Vitória the lead. João Mendes came close to doubling the advantage, hitting the crossbar in the closing stages.
The second leg will be played at the Estádio D. Afonso Henriques in Guimarães on August 1 at 20:15. A win would advance Vitória to the third qualifying round and potentially the play-offs, before entering the group stage of the competition.
Vitória’s victory in Malta, though narrow, demonstrates their resilience and sets a positive tone for the season ahead.