Arouca – Maritimo

Arouca edged a tight home victory over Marítimo, 2‑1, to climb to fifth place on 10 points after three wins, a draw and two defeats, with a modest +3 goal difference. The win nudged Marítimo down to tenth, leaving them on seven points from two wins, one draw and two losses and a –2 goal deficit. The result also tipped the head‑to‑head balance this season in Arouca’s favour, as they now hold the sole win from their two meetings. Both sides remain within striking distance of the European spots and the relegation battle, respectively, as the campaign enters its next phase.