FC Vizela, who gained promotion to Liga Portugal after finishing second in the second division two seasons ago, are currently placed 12th this season, two points off a top-half spot. So far in Liga Portugal 2022/23, Vizela have won five, drawn three, and lost seven matches. They have picked up 18 points at a rate of 1.20 points per game. While they have defeated teams in the top half like Rio Ave, Casa Pia, and Vitoria, they have shown inconsistent form in recent weeks. For instance, they defeated Vitoria 3-0 in match week 14 but lost 2-1 to Famalicao last time out. Vizela finished 14th last season, and there have been some improvements in the team’s performances this year, which have increased their chances of a top-half finish. Below are some stats looking at Vizela’s overall performances in Liga Portugal 2022/23.
The viz above shows the percentile rank of Vizela’s stats compared to other teams in Liga Portugal. It can be observed that Vizela have a good percentile rank in attacking indicators like xG, shots, and opponent penalty area touches. In the defence department, they are faring decently in terms of xGA and recoveries but possess a low percentile rank for pressing success rates. Similarly, in possession parameters, Vizela are doing well for final third entries and key passes but can do better in terms of accurate passes and possession rate.
How has FC Vizela performed in the attack?
Vizela have scored 15 goals this season with an xG count of 19.85 (excluding penalties). This is not the best outcome in proportion to the 200 shots taken. Currently, they score one goal per match on average and have a superior xG rate per match of 1.42. The team averages 13.5 shots per match with an accuracy rate of 38.1%.
The viz above shows the shot map of Vizela from Liga Portugal 2022/23. They have taken a decent amount of shots in and around the six-yard box and have tried their luck from a distance as well. All but three of their goals have come from inside the penalty area. Additionally, they have taken two penalties, converting one of them. 
In comparison to the 2021/22 season, Vizela scored 37 goals with an xG per match value of 1.3. They scored at a rate of 1.09 goals per match and took 12.21 shots per match, with an accuracy rate of 28.4%. Manager Tulipa’s team is creating a better quality of goalscoring chances and is also taking more shots this season. However, their rate of scoring goals is similar to the previous season.
The above viz represents the overall ball progression by FC Vizela in Liga Portugal 2022/23. We can observe the team’s significant utilisation of the two flanks to progress up the pitch rather than the central zones. They create 26.42 positional attacks per match, with 29.5% of such plays resulting in shots. On the other hand, they launch 2.93 counterattacks per match, with 38.6% of them ending with a shot. Compared to most other teams in the top division, they fare slightly better in terms of the efficiency rate of these attacking plays.
How have Vizela performed in defence?
Vizela have clocked better numbers while defending compared to the attacking department. They’ve given up as many goals as they have scored (15). With one goal conceded per match on average, they are letting in goals at a lower rate than their xGA per match value of 1.16.
The viz above illustrates Vizela’s defensive territory in Liga Portugal 2022/23. It can be observed that the team’s average defensive line is not too far from the half-line. They commit a decent amount of defensive actions in the middle third and even inside their penalty box. Vizela makes 85.6 recoveries along with 49.53 interceptions per match and commits 13.8 fouls on average. Additionally, the team wins 60% of their defensive duels and 45.2% of their aerial duels per match.
Compared with last season, Vizela conceded 58 goals with a goal difference of -21. They let in 1.71 goals per match with an average xGA rate of 1.51. Thus far, the team is maintaining much better stats in defence this season. Last season, the team’s average defensive line was slightly more advanced compared to this season. They seem to be digging deep in defence by making more recoveries and interceptions and winning more defensive duels than last season.
Another area where Vizela has done well is in winning back possession in the opposition’s half. They are a team capable of regaining possession high up the pitch; 141 such instances have been observed this season. They have also made 61 dangerous recoveries leading to a shot, including nine inside the penalty area. Vizela makes 11 recoveries in the opposition half on average and has a 37% efficiency rate in terms of pressing.
FC Vizela will be keen to achieve some consistent results and momentum in the following weeks to remain in contention for a top-half finish. While they will look to sharpen their gameplay in attack, they will want to continue with the same steadiness shown in defence this season.
Visuals via TFA data viz engine
