Nacional scored a point against AVS SAD, in the opening match of the Betclic League. The next match will be on Saturday against the current league champions Sporting. The Lions have been happy in Chopana on their last visits to Madeira, where the Nationals recorded their last victory over the Lions more than 13 years ago: February 27, 2011, in the 21st round of the league. Angolan striker Matheus scored the only goal of the match, beating Leonin goalkeeper Rui Patricio. At that time, the coach of the Black and Whites was Jokanovic. Three years later, the Nationals fans see their team once again among the greatest teams in Portuguese football and they want to smile again. Lucas França stopped by the press room at the Madeira stadium on Tuesday, to discuss the events of the first match against AVS SAD and the start of the confrontation with the disciples of Ruben Amorim. “I think that given the circumstances of this first game, coming back with a point was good. We had a good first half, we controlled the game well, while AVS SAD were better in the second. It was a good point for that. The start of the championship,” began the national goal scorer, before addressing his first appearance of the season: “It was very hot in the years I was at Nacional, this was the day I felt the heat that we know what we need to improve to grow, we will continue to work to improve what we need to improve.” As for the next match (Saturday, 6 p.m.), the 28-year-old Brazilian knows that it will not be an easy task. “Just because we are in the first division, we have to treat every game like a final. We have to have motivation for every game. The game against Sporting is a great game, we know the quality of the opponent. Every game we have we will come strong against Nacional, because for us all games are finals.” As for Sporting: “They are the national champions, the best national team. We know that they are a team with great quality. We have to focus on our best, day by day, and we know what we have to improve. All teams have something to improve and grow, we will look for this match by match, and improve, knowing that there will be no easy matches, neither with the champions, nor with teams that have been promoted like ours.”

“I devote myself to the fullest”

Lucas França knows that this season will not be easy and he is not thinking about showing himself individually. “I will do what I have always done, dedicating myself as much as I can to do my job. Game after game has shown that we have a solid defence. I will play like every game.” “I will do my best and try to help my teammates, because that's what I am here for,” said Thiago Margarido's pupil. As for the good opportunity to stand out against the Lions: “I don't think this will be a game to show myself and think about other trips, but to do my best, game after game, do my best and help my teammates. Working together, individual talents will emerge, but the goal is to do the best for this club.”

Finally, the Brazilian asks for the support of the fans. “We have had the support of our fans, which is very good, sometimes even with the house sold out, and that has helped us achieve our goals. We hope that they will continue with us this year, as we will fight and do our best for them game by game,” he concluded.