Alverca will close the 2025 calendar year with a duel at Estoril. Custódio Castro anticipated a “good game against a good team”, which defeated SC Braga (0-1) in the previous round, also at the Estádio António Coimbra da Mota. Cuatódio considered that the false start of the Canarinhos, who won only one of the first nine rounds, did not reflect a group «with quality players» and that «works together for the second consecutive season», under the orders of «a good coach». Custódio Castro highlighted the strengths of Ian Cathro's men, but focused on preparing a team that is “competitive and can fight for the three points”. The Alverca coach mobilized the crowd for the last game of the season, around 50 kilometers from home, but left a warning: «The number of fans doesn't matter, but the quality of the support. The more the better.” The 42-year-old coach was invited to look back on his first months in Alverca, marked by restructuring on and off the field. Custódio Castro recalled the initial difficulties, but highlighted Ribatejo's tranquility, after almost a complete round of the League: «I arrived in June after being hired by a club that had its stadium under construction. The first day I arrived here, we didn't have a player. Then we ended up renewing with Diogo Martins. He was the only player who moved.” The Ribatejo coach stressed that “everything was new” in preparation for a “very difficult” championship. Alverca, despite everything, will end the year outside the relegation zone and Custódio doesn't hide his satisfaction: «This half year ended up being very positive, very much against expectations because we know what everyone thought about the club, the team and the coach.» 10th place, even so, does not dazzle a coach who warns that “it is not enough”. «We really need the club to remain in the League next season and that depends a lot on us», he admitted, without devaluing a first round highlighted by four home victories. «We managed to put ourselves in a great position in terms of points, but there are half a round of games left. For Alverca to be able to fly, it is very important that we manage to have a second return at the highest level. That is our objective», he highlighted, without taking his eyes off the permanence.