Alverca
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Wikipedia - F.C. Alverca
Futebol Clube de Alverca is a Portuguese football club based in Alverca do Ribatejo, Vila Franca de Xira. The team currently play in the Liga Portugal, the top tier of Portuguese football.
History
F.C. Alverca was founded on 1 September 1939.
After many decades in the lower levels of Portuguese football, Alverca was promoted to the top level in 1998, and played there in four of the next five editions, also coming back for 2003–04, which also ended in relegation; during most of this time, the club acted as feeder club to S.L. Benfica. Alverca played one more year in level two, before folding for financial reasons, in 2005.
In 2006, Alverca re-formed, beginning at regional level in the Lisbon Football Association's District Leagues, and being promoted in 2007–08 to the first division of that category.
In 2017–18, Alverca won promotion back to the national level, as district champions. On 17 October 2019, Alverca won 2–0 in the third round of the Taça de Portugal against Big Three club Sporting CP, becoming only the second third-tier club in history to knock them out the cup; the other was F.C. Tirsense in 1948. Fellow Primeira Liga club Rio Ave F.C. beat Alverca by a single goal in the next round. Alex Apolinário, scorer of the first goal in the win over Sporting, died in January 2021 days after collapsing in a match for Alverca.
In February 2025, Vinícius Júnior and his partners became co-owners of the club, acquiring between 70% and 80% of its shares for roughly €8 million to €10 million.
In May 2025, Alverca got their back-to-back promotion to Liga Portugal.
The team has experienced various levels of success throughout its history, including stints in the Primeira Liga, Portugal's top football division, as well as in the lower leagues. Alverca is known for its strong youth academy, which has produced several talented players who have gone on to achieve success in both domestic and international football.
The club's identity is deeply rooted in the community, and it serves as a source of pride for its supporters. Alverca's matches are characterized by an enthusiastic atmosphere, with fans passionately cheering for their team. The club continues to strive for success, aiming to return to higher divisions and make a mark in Portuguese football.