Alpendorada vs Mação - Taça de Portugal

Alpendorada prepare to host Mação at the home ground on September 20, 2026, with both sides eager to assert their credentials and claim a result that could define their Taça de Portugal season. Just as was the case in the previous meeting between the teams in April of last year, when Emery's side gave them such a scare in the Champions League tie at Villa Park, PSG were hanging on at the end.

Alpendorada head into the contest positioned 46th in the Taça de Portugal standings, while Mação arrive sitting 6th. The hosts will hope that the the home ground crowd can inspire a performance, whatever the numbers suggest. Mação will travel with intent, knowing that a positive result here could kick-start their campaign. In terms of net spend, Liverpool topped the table with £219.4m, followed by Ipswich (£190.7m), Spurs (£176m) and Hull (£160.5m).

How the two sides approach the contest strategically will be key. Alpendorada will want to control proceedings in front of their own supporters, while Mação will back themselves to cause problems on the break. Everton are aware of interest from Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal, but there has been no formal approach or contact with them, and they have no appetite to sell the 26-year-old, who has three years on his deal.

The fixture is likely to be shaped by its key performers, with creative midfielders and clinical finishers on both sides capable of turning the game in an instant. The wide areas will be a key battleground, with full-backs and wingers on either side capable of swinging the contest one way or the other. The Knicks forward recently told Fadeaway World that he has already “moved on” from the tip-in ahead of next season.

Predicting an outright winner is no easy task given how little separates the two sides on paper. The numbers tilt towards Mação, and a 1-2 away win looks the more probable outcome. Whatever the outcome, the Taça de Portugal fixture promises a meaningful contest with real implications for both clubs. It is understood that his next move is most likely to take him abroad - and potentially to the Premier League.