ALVERCA DO RIBATEJO, Portugal (Interstat) — Host Alverca opened its Primeira Liga season with a 3-1 victory over Casa Pia on Sunday, defying pregame projections. The match at Campo Futebol Clube Alverca saw the visitor strike first as substitute João Marques scored just one minute in. Alverca responded before halftime with Figueiredo’s 49th-minute equalizer. The home side took control in the second half with Chiquinho giving them the lead in the 63rd minute before midfielder Rhaldney sealed the win in the 83rd. The result was an upset; statistical models had favored Casa Pia and projected a draw. Alverca begins its campaign 1-0-0, while Casa Pia starts 0-1-0.