Vitoria SC's Liga Portugal Betclic opener ended in frustration as FC Arouca claimed a 1–0 victory despite being thoroughly dominated. The hosts controlled 58% possession and created substantially more attacking threat, registering 24 shots and an expected goals total of 2.22, yet managed only three efforts on target—a wasteful return that proved costly. Arouca, operating on just 42% possession, absorbed the pressure with disciplined defending and struck decisively through Ivan Barbero's solitary goal. The visiting goalkeeper delivered a masterclass, saving all three shots faced and posting a perfect 100% save percentage, whilst Vitoria's shot-stopper could only convert a 50% save rate from two efforts on target. Vitoria's 4–2–3–1 setup generated volume but lacked precision in the final third, creating clear-cut chances that went begging. Arouca's efficiency—winning the match from minimal possession and limited expected goals (0.49)—highlighted their clinical edge. This result suggests Vitoria must sharpen their finishing, whilst Arouca's defensive resilience offers early season promise.