Nacional took another step on the long, long road to Bucharest, overcoming a tough but limited FH Hafnarfjordur 2-0 on the night, and 3-1 on aggregate, to seal their place in the 3rd Qualifying Round of the Europa League. Second-half goals from Luis Alberto and Candeias gave Ivo Vieira’s side an ultimately comfortable victory.

Whilst most of their contemporaries are easing themselves into the rigours of pre-season training, Nacional’s 2011/12 is already well underway. A raucous Estadio da Madeira greeted their team for the first competitive home game of the season, aided no doubt by the club’s decision to open the doors for free. The 4800 supporters certainly made their presence felt, spurring the home side on to a promising start. Mateus won a corner before the opening minute was up, and the tone was set for the remainder of the half.

The first presentable opportunity fell to 18 year-old Oliver, but the Brazilian – promoted from the youth ranks to the senior squad – dragged his shot wide. Nacional continued to dominate the action, but were unable to penetrate their opponents’ exceptionally cautious defensive line. The Icelandic outfit attempted to assert themselves physically, but the likes of Luis Alberto and Skolnik gave as good as they got, which contributed to the half descending into something of an impasse as it went on.

As the two teams cancelled each other out, Nacional goalkeeper Elisson provided an entertaining subplot. The Brazilian first flirted with disaster when he failed utterly in controlling a firm but innocuous back pass from Danielson (the ball trickled inches wide of the empty net); then caused rather more damage as the game approached half-time, colliding accidentally but unmistakeably with the unfortunate Bjornsson, who left the field clutching an ice pack to his head. Elisson’s opposite number Gunnleifsson also made his mark on the opening period, denying Rene Mihelic a certain goal with an eye-catching diving save on the stroke of the interval.

The second half began in a similar fashion to the first, with Oliver and Mateus harrying the increasingly frustrated away defence. Their persistence paid off in the 55th minute. Oliver won a free kick, which was whipped in by Mihelic and headed home neatly by Luis Alberto. The Brazilian was one of Nacional's outstanding performers on the night, and Vieira will be hoping that he remains at the club beyond the closing of the transfer window.

The goal injected a sense of calm and deflation respectively into the two sides, and the remainder of the encounter passed without any great incident. New signing Eliseu came off the bench and almost doubled Nacional’s lead, and with FH looking increasingly stretched, a second goal appeared inevitable. It arrived in the final minute of normal time. After a penalty area scramble, Mateus latched onto a hooked clearance, bore down on the FH box, and rode a challenge before playing in substitute Candeias. The winger, who spent 2010/11 at relegated Portimonense, marked his return to his parent club with a calmly-taken goal, which put the issue beyond doubt.

Nacional join Vitoria de Guimaraes in the 3rd Qualifying Round, with both sides heading north. Ivo Vieira and co. meet Hacken of Sweden, whilst Manuel Machado’s side face Danish side Midtjylland, who gave Sporting something of a fright in 2010. Both ties get underway next Thursday evening. 

Goals:
[1-0] Luis Alberto, 55
[2-0] Candeias

Ben Shave