Santa Clara vs Larne Prediction & Betting Tips (14 August)

Surprise team from Liga Portugal last season with a 5th place, Santa Clara competes for the first time a European competition. But to enter the final table of the conference league, the Portuguese club must go through the perilous qualifications. If the previous round the Vasco Matos players had suffered to get rid of the Croats of Varazdin 1-2; 2-0, the partners of Vinicius Lopes should have fewer scares of this 3rd preliminary round after their success 3-0 in the first leg in Northern Ireland. However, the sequence was difficult for Santa Clara who this weekend on the first day of the championship did not exist on the lawn of Famalicao 0-3.

Were the spirits turned to this return match this Thursday?Passed through a mouse hole in previous towers, Larne FC showed its limits during the first round against the Portuguese. The North Irish had already been shaken during the 1st round against Auda 0-0; 2-2 then in the second round against Prishtina 0-0; 1-1 where shots on goal had made it possible to pass these obstacles. This Thursday, it is more than a miracle that it will take the vice-champions of Northern Ireland who, with 3 goals to go outside, have few illusions.

Tactically, Santa Clara’s possession-based approach and defensive solidity—averaging under one goal conceded per game—could frustrate Larne’s direct style. The Portuguese side has shown an ability to control tempo and create chances through the midfield trio of Pedro Ferreira, Adriano Firmino, and Matheus Pereira. Larne’s best hope may lie in exploiting set pieces and counterattacks, especially if Moore is given space to operate. However, Santa Clara’s aerial strength and disciplined marking have neutralized similar threats in recent matches, making it a tough ask for the visitors.

Given the current trajectory and squad dynamics, a 2-1 scoreline in favor of Santa Clara feels like a realistic prediction. The hosts are likely to dominate possession and create more clear-cut chances, while Larne could snatch a goal through a moment of individual brilliance or a defensive lapse. Expect Santa Clara to strike early, control the rhythm, and seal the win with a second-half goal—though Larne’s fighting spirit might ensure they don’t leave empty-handed.

• Summary: Santa Clara is going head to head with Larne FC starting on 14 Aug 2025 at 19:00 UTC at Estadio de São Miguel stadium, Ponta Delgada city, Portugal. The match is a part of the UEFA Conference League, Qualification .
• Referee: Jacob A. Sundberg
• Santa Clara Feedinco Rating: 6.44
• Larne Feedinco Rating: 6.75