FC Alpendorada 0-1 Casa Pia AC — Casa Pia AC avoided a Portuguese Cup upset with a hard-fought 1-0 win at FC Alpendorada on 18 October 2026. A second-half header from Bruno Fonseca proved enough for the top-flight side, though the hosts pushed them all the way.

Match overview

Casa Pia controlled possession from the start but found Alpendorada’s five-man defence difficult to break down. The visitors created the first clear chance in the 14th minute, only for the Alpendorada goalkeeper to make a smart save. The home side threatened on the counter, with a break in the 39th minute ending with a cross that was cleared at the near post.

The breakthrough came in the 66th minute when Fonseca met a deep cross with a firm header into the bottom corner. Alpendorada responded with renewed energy and nearly equalised in the 79th minute, but a header drifted just over the bar. Casa Pia managed the closing stages calmly and kept their hosts at arm’s length.

Key moments

• 14’ — Early save: Casa Pia’s first meaningful shot was pushed away by the Alpendorada goalkeeper.
• 39’ — Alpendorada counter: A quick break ended with a low cross cleared at the near post.
• 66’ — Goal: Bruno Fonseca headed home a deep cross to give Casa Pia the lead.
• 79’ — Alpendorada header over: The hosts’ best chance of the second half cleared the crossbar.
• 90+2’ — Late save: Casa Pia’s goalkeeper held a dangerous free-kick to preserve the win.

Tactical story

Casa Pia used a 4-2-3-1 formation and looked to dominate the ball, but Alpendorada’s 5-3-2 block made central progression difficult. The visitors were forced to play around the outside, and their best moments came from crosses and set pieces.

Alpendorada defended with discipline and looked to release their forwards on the break. The plan worked for long periods, but the quality of Casa Pia’s delivery eventually told. After the goal, the home side had to commit more bodies forward, which opened space for Casa Pia to manage the game with possession.

Standout performers

Fonseca’s header was the decisive contribution, while Casa Pia midfielder João Pedro kept the tempo steady under pressure. Alpendorada goalkeeper Ricardo Lopes made several important saves and could not be faulted for the goal.

What the result means

Casa Pia AC progress in the Portuguese Cup and avoid the kind of banana skin that can derail a season. Alpendorada exit with credit after a brave defensive display. For Casa Pia, the focus now shifts to turning dominance into more comfortable scorelines in the rounds ahead.