Rafik Guitane struck a spectacular late goal to cap another decisive display as Estoril claimed a 4-2 away victory over Santa Clara in the Azores.
The Algerian winger once again proved influential for the Lisbon-based side, delivering a moment of quality that turned a tightly contested match in Estoril’s favour.
With the score level at 2-2 midway through the second half, Guitane produced a curling left-footed finish into the far top corner to restore his team’s lead and shift the momentum decisively.
Guitane’s contribution continued a run of impressive performances. Just a week earlier, he had provided two assists in Estoril’s home match against Vitória Guimarães, underlining his growing importance within the squad.
Against Santa Clara, he was again at the heart of Estoril’s attacking play, repeatedly testing the hosts and stretching the defence.
The winger had already gone close earlier in the second half, seeing a right-footed effort blocked shortly after the restart. His persistence, however, was rewarded in the 74th minute following a well-worked move.
Begraoui linked play before finding Ricard Sánchez, whose perfectly weighted pass with the outside of his right foot set up Guitane. The Algerian needed little invitation, shaping his shot with precision to find the top corner and silence the home crowd.
That goal, his third of the season to go alongside six assists, proved to be the defining moment of the contest. Estoril went on to add further gloss to the scoreline, sealing a 4-2 win on the island of São Miguel and confirming their control in the closing stages.
The result leaves Estoril firmly in mid-table, maintaining stability while keeping distant hopes of European qualification alive.
They remain four points adrift of the continental places, a gap that reflects both the competitiveness of the league and the fine margins separating the chasing pack.
For Guitane, the evening reinforced his status as one of Estoril’s most reliable attacking outlets. His ability to deliver in decisive moments has become a recurring theme this season, whether through goals or assists, and his performance in the Azores highlighted the confidence currently running through the team.
As Estoril look to build consistency in the weeks ahead, the influence of the Algerian winger may prove central to how far their ambitions can stretch.
BQSDNFDSQJQSDFNOQSDNF LE BUT DE RAFIK GUITANE 🔥🔥pic.twitter.com/tboCMej2mX
— Chebli Ishaq (@IshaqChebli) January 31, 2026
