# Marítimo host Santa Clara under pressure after 5-0 loss at Guimarães

- URL: https://apitofinal.pt/en/nacional-en/maritimo-host-santa-clara-under-pressure-after-5-0-loss-at-guimaraes/
- Published: 2026-10-31T18:30:48+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-31T18:36:12+00:00
- Publisher: Apito Final (apitofinal.pt)
- Section: Nacional
- Tags: Marítimo, Mitchell van der Gaag, Santa Clara, Vitória de Guimarães

## Article

Marítimo host Santa Clara on matchday 10 of the Liga under heavy pressure to turn their season around. After the 5-0 defeat by Vitória de Guimarães, the team need points to stop the situation from getting worse.

Head coach Mitchell van der Gaag acknowledged that the team’s current form is not the best and stressed the constant need to win matches. “It’s not just for this game against Santa Clara; the pressure is always there to win games and take points.”

## Reaction to the heavy defeat and the League Cup

The comment reflects the reality at Marítimo who, despite the disappointment of the defeat by FC Porto, saw their fans acknowledge the team’s good performance. The coach felt the heavy defeat by Vitória was unexpected: “Nobody expected it, at least not on our side.”

Van der Gaag also commented on the performance in the League Cup, where, although the team could have done more, the response was positive.

The Dutch coach described Santa Clara as strong opponents: “Santa Clara started well – and they are still doing well – they have a good team.” He underlined the importance of continuing to work and improve, even when things are going well, because “everything can change at any moment.”

The Liga is highly competitive. Van der Gaag observed that other teams who started the season in difficulty are also winning, which increases the pressure on Marítimo.

## Dominguez out, Danilovic available

On the players’ fitness, Van der Gaag confirmed that Maxime Dominguez has not recovered from the injury that kept him out of the match against Sporting. Danilovic is available for the game.

The coach said Santa Clara have a “striker who is scoring goals and very quick wingers”, which underlines the challenge his side will face. He acknowledged that Santa Clara are a “very mature team, physically strong” and that the match will be difficult, but he is confident that playing at home could be an advantage.

Marítimo face a decisive match. The team’s response could determine their immediate future and the mood around the club in the coming weeks, with the aim of avoiding relegation.