Tondela's Matias Lacava returns to Venezuela

Tondela announced the departure of Matias Lacava, a 20-year-old Venezuelan winger, after Academia Puerto Cabello exercised the buyback clause in the loan contract. Matias Lacava played 25 games for Tondela, 21 of them in the current season, scoring one goal and two assists.

What happened?

Academia Puerto Cabello decided to exercise the buyback clause for Matias Lacava, which was valid until the end of the current season and allowed the club to redeem the player during January 2023.

Why is this important for Tondela?

The departure of Matias Lacava may affect Tondela's team, which currently occupies 17th place in the Primeira Liga, with 28 points, 6 wins, 10 draws, and 18 losses in 34 games, and a goal difference of -28.

What comes next?

Tondela needs to adapt to the loss of Matias Lacava and find a replacement for the Venezuelan winger. The team also needs to improve its performance in the league, after losing the last two games, including a 3-1 defeat to Arouca on May 16, 2026.