Sporting CP ضد Alverca — Liga Portugal

**Sporting CP 3-1 Alverca**

**What set this match apart:** This was a very typical match: only small details set it apart (69% of matches were more unusual than this one). The most striking deviation was found in the build-up, where both teams completed a massive volume of passes in their own half (526 in total, 96th percentile of the two teams' joint volume). Sporting CP was significantly more active in this area, completing 341 passes to Alverca's 185, a +156 gap at the 95th percentile of gaps. In contrast, the physical battle in the air was very limited, with only 11 aerial duels won in the match (2nd percentile of the two teams' joint volume), though Alverca was clearly ahead with 8 to Sporting CP's 3, a +5 gap at the 79th percentile of gaps.

**How it played out:** Sporting CP utilized a more direct approach to bypass the midfield, recording 36 accurate long balls to Alverca's 18, a +18 gap at the 93rd percentile of gaps. While both sides maintained high territorial control in the opponent's half (358 passes in total, 88th percentile of joint volume), Sporting CP was more effective at winning the ball back through challenges, recording 20 tackles to Alverca's 14, a +6 gap at the 85th percentile of gaps. They also excelled in reading the game with 12 interceptions to Alverca's 7, a +5 gap at the 87th percentile of gaps, and were more successful in one-on-one situations with 8 dribbles to 4, a +4 gap at the 81st percentile of gaps. Alverca found some success on the flanks, as they were clearly ahead with 2 accurate crosses to Sporting CP's 0, a +2 gap at the 73rd percentile of gaps. In the final third, both teams took many shots from distance (11 in total, 74th percentile of joint volume), but Sporting CP was more threatening, recording 7 shots on target to Alverca's 3, a +4 gap at the 86th percentile of gaps.

**Verdict:** The performances pointed to a Sporting CP win (75%), and that is what happened. The fair probabilities are Sporting CP win 75%, draw 16%, and Alverca win 9%. This result was deserved, with Sporting CP creating 3 big chances to Alverca's 1.