Alverca v Arouca: mid-table rivals target breathing space | OneFootball

Alverca host Arouca in Liga Portugal on Friday, 24 April 2026 at Complexo Desportivo FC Alverca, with both sides level on 35 points and aiming to pull further clear of the relegation fight.

Arouca edged the reverse fixture 1-0 in December and arrive 10th, one place above Alverca in 11th. The hosts have won two of their last three league games before losing at Nacional, while the visitors have taken three wins from five, most recently beating Estrela Amadora 1-0.

Defences have been porous this season. Alverca have conceded 48 league goals and Arouca 58, so chances could come. The visitors' route to goal may lean on width and aerial threat, with 12 headed goals and strong crossing volume from open play. Alverca's crossing has been more accurate at 24.78%, and they average 45% possession compared with Arouca's 49%, suggesting the game could swing on transitions and delivery quality.

Key threats are clear. For Alverca, Serbian forward Marko Milovanovic leads the way with eight league goals, while Lincoln Henrique Henrique has provided five assists. Arouca's top marksman is Alfonso Trezza Hernandez with eight, supported by Barbero on seven and Nais Djouahra on six.

Victory for Arouca would take them to 38 points and could lift them into ninth above Estoril. Three points for Alverca would move them to the same tally, allowing them to leapfrog their visitors and close on the top half.