Real vs Lajense - Campeonato de Portugal Prio - Group D

A fascinating Campeonato de Portugal Prio - Group D chapter awaits on September 13, 2026 when Real take on Lajense at the home ground — two sides with plenty to play for and everything to prove. 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.

Both camps will view the Campeonato de Portugal Prio - Group D meeting at the home ground as an opportunity to put a marker down, regardless of where they currently stand. The hosts will be looking to find their rhythm and put a run of results together. Lajense will travel with intent, knowing that a positive result here could kick-start their campaign. The fact that Oxford ultimately fell five points short of the total needed to stay in the Championship shows that it would have required top-half - almost play-off - form during the second half of the season.

Wing play is likely to be central to the contest. Real will look to stretch the pitch and isolate their wide attackers, while Lajense must find a way to compress the space and choke the supply lines. Schalke had only 17 per cent of the possession but, having visited the club to interview their charismatic coach Miron Muslic, that is hardly a surprise.

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 battle in midfield, where both sides look to control tempo, could prove the decisive arena. Switzerland forward Amdouni bounced his far-post header into the net after goalkeeper Josh Vickers had flapped at a Lucas Pires corner.

Predicting an outright winner is no easy task given how little separates the two sides on paper. Neither side holds a clear edge, and a 1-1 draw would be a fitting reflection of the balance between them. With the standings tight and form on the line, this is a fixture neither side will want to lose. Manchester City will begin another Premier League season with major uncertainty hanging over the club after league chief executive Richard Masters admitted the long-awaited verdict on their financial case has taken longer than expected.