Real vs Academica - Taça de Portugal

Season-defining implications hang over this Taça de Portugal clash at the home ground, where Real host Academica on September 18, 2026 knowing the result could shape the run-in for both clubs. The 74-year-old Hoops boss admitted that "it'll be a bit strange not having the (Celtic) fans in but I'm nervously and excitedly looking forward to it; it's a great fixture" and also spoke about the police visit.

The two sides arrive with plenty to prove, and the Taça de Portugal contest at the home ground offers a chance to lay down a marker. Real's recent form is difficult to quantify, but the occasion itself should bring the best out of them. The visitors will back themselves to cause problems and will not make the trip expecting an easy afternoon. Central midfield remains a position Leeds are keen to add in despite so far failing to reach an agreement with Southampton for Shea Charles.

How the two sides approach the contest strategically will be key. Real will want to control proceedings in front of their own supporters, while Academica will back themselves to cause problems on the break. But the Greek winger believes the mentality Arsenal are showing in pre-season is a sign they are ready to defend their crown.

Game-changers are scattered across both line-ups, and the contest may well be decided by which side's match-winners deliver on the day. How each side deals with the other's danger men — and who takes their chances when they come — will be central to the outcome. The club will have to look elsewhere for a new midfielder.

The market has yet to form a strong view, and the contest looks genuinely difficult to call. The signals point towards a stalemate, with the two sides closely matched across form and standings. A 1-1 draw is easy to envisage. The ramifications of this result could ripple through the Taça de Portugal standings for weeks to come, regardless of who comes out on top. The 22-year-old was likely quite high up on the list of United's midfield targets and potentially even higher after Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga blows.