SCU Torreense vs Casa Pia AC

Torreense and Casa Pia meet in Torres Vedras for the first leg of a Liga Portugal survival playoff, with a spot in the 2026/27 Primeira Liga on the line. A Torreense victory over two legs would end a 34-year absence from Portugal's top flight — and they must navigate a Portuguese Cup final against Sporting just four days later. Form heavily favours the hosts. Under manager Luís Tralhão, Torreense have won four of their last five, including a 4-0 drubbing of Vizela, and are near-unbeatable at home. Casa Pia have managed just one win in their last five, cycling through three managers this campaign amid a damaging run of defeats to Braga, Gil Vicente, and Tondela. These sides have already met this season — Torreense knocked Casa Pia out of the Portuguese Cup with a 2-1 away win in Rio Maior, a result that speaks volumes. History adds further pressure: top-flight clubs have survived this playoff format only once since 2020. Our prediction: 2-1