Nacional v Alverca: survival fight meets mid-table momentum | OneFootball

Nacional host Alverca in Liga Portugal on Saturday, 18 April 2026, at Estádio da Madeira, with the hosts looking to stay clear of the relegation play-off and the visitors eyeing a push towards the top half.

Nacional sit 15th on 25 points, while Alverca are 10th with 35. The only meeting this season finished 1-0 to Alverca in December.

Form points both ways. Nacional have one win in five, losing at Benfica last time out after beating Estrela Amadora. Alverca arrive off back to back victories over Rio Ave and Casa Pia, following draws against Gil Vicente and AVS.

Jesús Andrés Ramírez is the standout for Nacional with 14 league goals, while Liziero and José Gomes lead their supply on four assists each. For Alverca, Marko Milovanovic has eight league goals and Lincoln Henrique Henrique has provided five assists.

Season profiles suggest contrast. Nacional have scored 31 and conceded 41, with most goals coming from inside the box. Alverca have 32 for and 47 against, complete passes at 80.67% and deliver crosses at 25.47%, which could suit Milovanovic's penalty area game. They also have six headed goals to the hosts' five. Set piece returns are low for both.

A win would take Nacional to 28 points and could pull them away from 16th, the relegation play-off spot. Alverca would reach 38 points and could move into the top half depending on other results.