Gorilla Universe produced a commanding second‑half display to down Artilheiros 3‑1 in the Chinese Macao Liga de Elite at the Estádio Campo Desportivo on 24 July 2026. The victory moved the home side up to fourth in the standings, while Artilheiros slipped to eighth after a defeat that exposed their defensive frailties on the road.

Match Overview

The opening exchanges were tightly contested, with both teams struggling to find rhythm on a humid evening. Artilheiros, known for their counter‑attacking style, struck first against the run of play through a swift break in the 23rd minute. However, Gorilla Universe responded with growing pressure and equalised just before half‑time through a well‑worked set piece. The second half belonged entirely to the hosts, who added two more goals to secure a deserved three points.

Key Moments

• 23’ – Artilheiros take the lead: A quick transition from defence caught Gorilla Universe off guard; winger João Silva slotted home after a one‑two with striker Carlos Mendes.
• 45+1’ – Gorilla Universe equalise: Captain Leong Ka‑Ho rose highest to meet a corner from the right, powering a header past the Artilheiros goalkeeper.
• 63’ – Gorilla Universe turn it around: Midfielder Ho Iok‑Man unleashed a curling effort from 20 yards that nestled into the top corner, giving the home side the lead for the first time.
• 78’ – Third goal seals the win: Substitute forward Chan Pak‑Hei latched onto a through ball and coolly finished under pressure to make it 3‑1.

Tactical Story

Gorilla Universe manager Alberto Sousa switched to a 4‑3‑3 formation after the equaliser, pushing full‑backs higher to overload Artilheiros’s narrow midfield. The change paid immediate dividends as the hosts began to dominate possession and create chances through wide areas. Artilheiros, by contrast, dropped deeper after conceding the second goal and struggled to retain the ball, leaving lone striker Mendes isolated up front.

Standout Performers

• Leong Ka‑Ho (Gorilla Universe): The centre‑back was immense at both ends – his headed equaliser sparked the comeback, and he marshalled the defence to keep Artilheiros to a single shot on target after the break.
• Ho Iok‑Man (Gorilla Universe): Scored a spectacular winner and completed 91% of his passes in the final third. His energy in midfield was key to the home side’s dominance.
• João Silva (Artilheiros): Scored the opening goal and remained the visitors’ most dangerous outlet, but received little support after the interval.

Table & Season Impact

The win lifted Gorilla Universe to 4th in the Chinese Macao Liga de Elite with 27 points from 15 matches, four points behind leaders Benfica de Macau. Artilheiros, meanwhile, dropped to 8th and now face a battle to avoid the relegation play‑off zone. Next up for Gorilla Universe is a tricky away trip to Monte Carlo, while Artilheiros host bottom‑side CD Macau in a must‑win clash.