Fifth-placed, with 57 points, the team from Minho can still beat its points record in the main Portuguese tier, of 62 points, with four rounds to go, and still has a chance of overtaking third-placed FC Porto and fourth-placed Sporting de Braga, both with 62, chances that could improve Vitória's performance in 2023/24.

"Vitória has had an excellent championship, but it could be extraordinary. To be extraordinary, we have to stay focused on our task. What happens from now on cannot erase the excellent season, considering the adversities we have had, the evolution we have had", he said, in the preview of the duel scheduled for 8:30 pm on Saturday, at the Estádio D. Afonso Henriques, in Guimarães.

Proud of the "mentality built throughout the season", the 'helmsman' also promised a team with its 'eyes' set on what "can still be conquered", starting with the three points against the 'axadrezados', in a duel with a history of rivalry.

Aware that the team coached by Jorge Simão needs points, as they are in 13th place, with 30, Álvaro Pacheco asked for a Vitória with "very great control of the game", to "promote combinations", to "reach the finishing zone", without forgetting to protect against the counterattacks of a Boavista that can play both "waiting for the mistake", and be "more aggressive", giving more space.

"Our balance is very important. We are going to deal with an opponent that wants points. They will look for all kinds of space and imbalances to hurt us. We have to protect our goal and understand our offensive actions so as not to expose ourselves to the counterattack. If we concede first, we will remain calm", he projected.

With defenders Bruno Gaspar and Jorge Fernandes back in the options after missing the visit to the leader Sporting (3-0 defeat), to serve their suspensions, the coach said he was always prepared for adversity and confirmed the return to the starting lineup of Portuguese international Jota Silva, a substitute used in Alvalade.

"Due to the incidents of the season, we have to manage players at certain times. At the moment, [Jota Silva] has recovered his physical levels and will play", he added.

Asked about the evolution of Kaio César, a winger hired in the January transfer market, on loan from the Brazilian team Coritiba, who has played 323 minutes in 11 official games for Vitória, the coach stressed that the 20-year-old player can "have a brilliant career" and is being valued, like other teammates.

Vitória de Guimarães, fifth in the Portuguese I League, with 57 points, hosts Boavista, 13th, with 30, in a match scheduled for 8:30 pm on Saturday, at the Estádio D. Afonso Henriques, in Guimarães, refereed by Luís Godinho, from the Évora Football Association.