Season 51 reaches Round 4 in the four biggest Dugout nations (Brazil, Romania, Slovenia, Turkey), while the major DO nations move into Round 3 and a full slate of mid-sized countries step in with their preliminary ties. From top-flight clashes to ambitious lower-league runs, almost every layer of the pyramid now has something at stake.
Here’s a tour of today’s national cup action where managers go head-to-head.
Estonia delivers a heavyweight double-header in the Meistriliiga. Last season’s finalists meet new challenges: JK LÕVID host Black Mount FC, while reigning cup winners Football Club Tallinna Ariel visit FC Tip-Top. With all four clubs from the top flight and the finalists drawn into tough ties, this round could sharply reshape the balance of power in the Estonian cup.
With champions F.C.PRETOR already out after their defeat to PETROLUL 67 in Round 3, the Romanian cup has opened up dramatically. Divizia A sides FC 23 Mai Onesti, Podgoria Murfatlar, VITEZISTII4S™ and AFC Atletico Mangalia all face tricky assignments against motivated lower-league opponents.
Key ties include Dinamo Slatina vs. Podgoria Murfatlar (Divizia C vs. Divizia A), FC BEAUTY OF PAIN vs. Barber22 (top flight vs. Divizia E) and Steaua United vs. AFC Atletico Mangalia, another Divizia A away day full of risk. In Divizia B, promotion contenders such as CS Alouette 1947, Sanatatea Ungureni, Apulum, Clubul Sportiv al Armatei and F.C. Waldorf’s are heavily involved, many away to ambitious Divizia C sides.
Below that, a dense web of Divizia C–D–E encounters (from U CRAIOVA vs. fcucv to FC Valentinn.Cosmin vs. Tamuz) ensures that the path to replacing F.C.PRETOR as champions is as treacherous as it is wide open.
Two fixtures shape England’s modest cup slate. Warrington Vikings from the English Championship host Premier League side FWAW, a straightforward upset opportunity if the visitors rotate too heavily. In English League 1, Winchcombe FC face Championship club carter city, a meeting that should reveal whether the lower-tier side can compete with second-tier tempo over ninety minutes.
Poland’s cup offers a crowded and dangerous schedule. Ekstraklasa side KS Vel Lidzbark Welski host Gwardia Szczytno from III Liga, while Potion Drinkers vs. WUJEK TEAM™ and Kolbuszowa Rushers vs. NaprzódPoGorzałe present further top-flight away days that could easily slip into trouble.
In II Liga, FC Drwale vs. FC Polski Klub stands out as a serious test for the Ekstraklasa visitors, while KRAN Rzeszow vs. Stal Brzeg, LKS Bobrowniki Bobry Wielkie vs. FC KukośBT and fc_wiktorstrasse vs. Red Bull Warszawa shape the pecking order among second-tier contenders.
Lower down, III and IV Liga ties such as Jastrzębie Chotomów vs. Bocian Zgorzała, NEVERWINS vs. FC Nyguski, Sparta Strzalki vs. Azoranka Kraków, Werewolves FC vs. Brzozów City, Branza Kwidzyn vs. Górnik Zabrze F.C. and FcZwierzaki vs. Gumio keep the door open for a lower-league run to challenge holders GialloRossi Wilkowice later in the season.
The third round of the Serbian Cup still brings a large number of matches across the country, as this stage of the competition features many teams from different divisions. This round is known for frequent clashes between active and less active teams, which often affects both the rhythm and the final outcomes of the games.
As the league season gains momentum, many managers use this round as an opportunity to rest key players and improve their form ahead of upcoming league challenges. Because of that, we often see mixed lineups, rotated squads, and experimental combinations that may influence the results, but in the long run help teams maintain stability throughout the season.
The Cup remains unpredictable — even weaker opponents shouldn’t be written off, as they often manage to surprise tired or rotated favorites. Still, most Superliga teams are focused on progressing further with minimal effort while keeping their main players fresh for league competition.
As always, the Cup provides a chance for proving oneself — for underdogs to rise, and for favorites to reaffirm their quality.
Who will celebrate, and who will see their journey end in this round? We’ll find out soon.
Sporting regards!
Najava 3. kola Kupa Srbije
Treće kolo Kupa Srbije donosi i dalje veliki broj utakmica širom zemlje, jer se u ovoj fazi takmičenja još uvek takmiči ogroman broj ekipa iz različitih rangova. Runda je poznata po tome da se aktivni i manje aktivni timovi često susreću, što dodatno utiče na ritam i rezultat mečeva.
Kako se ligaški deo polako zahuktava, mnogi menadžeri koriste ovo kolo kao priliku da odmore ključne igrače kako bi podigli njihovu formu za naredne ligaške izazove. Upravo zbog toga neretko viđamo izmešane sastave, kombinovane timove i rotacije koje mogu da utiču na krajnji ishod, ali dugoročno pomažu stabilnosti ekipe tokom sezone.
Kup ostaje nepredvidiv , ni slabiji rivali ne treba da budu otpisani, jer neretko uspeju da iznenade umorne ili rotirane favorite. Ipak, većina superligaša je fokusirana na to da prođe dalje uz minimalno opterećenje i da glavni deo ekipe sačuva svežu energiju za prvenstvo.
Kao i uvek, Kup donosi priliku za dokazivanje, za uspon autsajdera i za potvrdu kvaliteta favorita.
Ko će slaviti, a ko završiti svoje putovanje u ovoj rundi ,videćemo uskoro.
The Turkish cup’s Round 4 is intense and spread across the divisions. Several TFF Süper Lig clubs face dangerous away days: KuzeyEfee FK travel to kasırga (TFF 3. Lig), aşağıakın host Ötüken Birliği from TFF 2. Lig Kırmızı Grup, Trabzonspor visit The Akar in TFF 4. Lig, and 500 Football Club are away to Vona Cotyora, also from the fourth tier — all classic giant-killing scenarios.
Reigning champions Tortuga (TFF 2. Lig Kırmızı Grup), who lifted the trophy on penalties against AKINCILAR-1453 last season, now meet konyaspor4242 of TFF 3. Lig, a tie they cannot afford to treat casually. Meanwhile, Elazığspor vs. AfelSpor and GOZTEPE vs. Antalyaspor07 pit higher divisions against ambitious third-tier challengers.
Further intrigue comes from fixtures like Gölcükspor vs. Galatasaray FK, FC BoRa vs. Fenerbahçe SK., Sports Academy vs. Çankırıspor and Pâyidar vs. ⚡️⚡️⚡️BEŞİKTAŞ, where TFF 2. Lig heavyweights and notable 3. Lig clubs fight to stay on course in one of Dugout’s most unpredictable cups.
A quiet round in Bosnia and Herzegovina: Trahana FC from the Prva Liga welcome Blue Coopers of the Treca liga, a classic second-tier home tie where progression is expected but mistakes could be costly.
Croatia’s round features several Prva HNL clubs stepping into danger away from home. West Herzegowina UTD FC, St. Krijal and Gružanin Football Club all travel to Druga HNL opponents (N.K. Slavonija, NK Istra 1961, NK Ptičekova), ties that can easily turn awkward if taken lightly. Meanwhile Lupa vs. NK Maksimir Zagreb is a competitive all–Druga HNL meeting, and Dimension Tech vs. Galija Trešnjevka offers Treca HNL the chance to bloody a second-tier nose.
Slovenia’s Round 4 is packed and volatile. Reigning champions Grosuplje Dreamteam host Hnk Hajduk Split from the Tretja SNL, a tie that looks comfortable on paper but comes with all the pressure of defending the trophy. Fellow Prva SNL giants Borussia Dortmund, Inter Miami CF, Alkosi i drogeraši, FC Podgurje, SD SVIZEC and NK Jesihdorf also face lower-division opponents, with Dortmund up against FC Juve Mlinsko and Inter at home to n.k.maribor.
The Druga SNL pairings are just as compelling: SD SVIZEC vs. AS Radgona, NK Besna Glista vs. Blackened Ballers 89’, NK Jesihdorf vs. Barcelona, RAUFNKIRARI vs. Metall club, FC Scary Gorca vs. Hadestown, NK Markovci vs. Vrazja N. Druscina, ozo real madrid vs. Trojans United and FC Zelenjavčki team vs. FC Liverpool all test the depth and focus of the second tier.
Beneath them, a swarm of Tretja SNL, Prva regionalna Liga and Druga regionalna Liga duels — from Scuffy Dogs vs. Football Elite Kotredež to KŠD Jauševo vs. Natus Vincere and FC Green Stars vs. NK Tabor — keeps the possibility of a surprise quarterfinalist very much alive.
Round 3 in Belgium offers a good spread of intrigue. In 2de Klasse, CA Boca Juniors vs. Forza Gellik and FC Tandje Bij vs. grasduiners look like early tests of promotion-level ambitions. At the top, Merchtem2016 vs. hammertime is a pure Eerste Klasse showdown and the standout tie, with both clubs hoping to edge closer to the territory recently dominated by finalists Sasboys and holders FC Goldstar. Upset-watch sits on Koninklijk Berchem Sport vs. Esperanza Pelt, where a 4. Klasse side hosts an established 2de Klasse B outfit.
Only one tie, but it’s a good one: FC Legoland from the 1. Division host Carnap Kickers of the Superligaen. The second-tier side already showed cup character last season against Sørby IF; now they get a shot at knocking out top-flight opposition at home.
An eye-catching LIGUE 1 clash headlines Round 3: SID LYONNAIS vs. Standard FC is a straight top-flight duel with clear quarterfinal ambitions attached. Lower down, Cara team from the CFA welcome OGC Nice of National 3, a meeting between ambitious amateur and semi-professional levels that fits perfectly with the Coupe de France’s tradition of regional underdogs.
The Dutch cup round is rich with cross-division tension. Ceasar Empire host Vuura FC (Eredivisie vs. Eerste Divisie B), while Shanli vs. SC Pink gives a Hoofdklasse side a shot at top-flight opposition. Defending champions Abel United (Eerste Divisie A) face Tamaranth Gryphs from the Hoofdklasse, looking to prove last year’s run was no one-off. Elsewhere TrotsvanhetOosten vs. Slayer and FC Twente vs. Zaantrappers keep the Eerste Divisie vs Hoofdklasse narrative alive, with several second-tier clubs wary of ambitious lower-league visitors.
Round 3 in Portugal brings several top-flight collisions. Atalaia vs. Futebol Clube do Porto is a pure Superliga matchup that could swing the bracket’s balance early. Another big tie sees Sá City Futebol Clube host Sumolix Stars, with the visitors eager to bounce back after last season’s extra-time semi-final loss to FC Saense.
There’s also a spotlight on recent finalists ODC WaRrIoRz v2, away to Lisbon FC from the 3ª liga, where anything less than a professional performance could spell trouble. Supporting cast includes Red Eagles F.C. vs. Carvalho CF (3ª liga), Castendo Futebol Clube vs. Covense and New Order vs. Real Margem FC (Liga de honra vs 3ª liga), plus Sporting Lamego vs. Beco da Estrada F. C. and Quinta FC vs. União R J Fernão Ferro, giving both lower and second tiers a shot at upsetting the established order.
Spain’s preliminary round opens quietly but with interest: FC AldaiaX of the Segunda Division host Monjuic from the Tercera Division, an early test for a second-tier side hoping to eventually challenge cup specialists like Espongis and Brian Boitano’s.
Sweden’s cup begins with an Allsvenskan clash: Slovenia Dreamteam vs. Eneby BK. Both are top-flight sides with quarterfinal ambitions after watching Norrlandsfotboll FC and Rutger Boll Klubb dominate last season; this is an early chance to stake a claim as the main challengers to the reigning champions.
Premiere division side M.C.Algiers should fancy their chances at home to Casablanca Royal FC from the Regionale. Far trickier is FC Green Gunners vs. Boukhelifa CF: last season’s finalists host a solid Super D2 A opponent in a tie that will show whether they can mount another deep run without champions MPAlger in the bracket today.
One of last season’s finalists is no longer with us. Playing with the backup keeper and fully focused on the Challenge Cup, Colorado da Serra ended up defeated by Expresso da Colina, to the delight of its haters. Another surprise was the elimination of the almighty Capelópolis, who clearly is no longer the powerhouse it once was and was dominated by Vascão da Massa. Another Vasco side that did well was Gigante Vasco Brasília, putting together a strong run against active teams almost every round. In the dinos’ classic, Black Griffins did not challenge history and once again defeated Boleiro. Lespa did not surprise anyone and is already out, as well as the Copa do Brasil T49 runner-up, S’Gladbach, eliminated respectively by Niterói and Vinter. Closing out the section, congratulations to Inenarráveis, the first newcomer to eliminate a veteran in this wave of new managers. And sadly, Udi City survived on penalties.
The fourth round of the competition brings us, naturally, the largest batch of active-vs-active matches, even if we don’t have the legendary weight of a Black Griffins vs. Boleiro or the two most recent finalists thrown into tough games.
The standout match of the round might be the classic clash between a traditional semi-dino and a Capelo’s child — both in turbulent moments. Campinas is one of Brazil’s biggest clubs and has done well both in Série B and in the Copa do Brasil in T50. The problem: this season hasn’t brought a single win yet — four straight losses in B2. Futleria isn’t living its best days either. Relegated from B2 last season, the club from Diadema arrived in C6 as one of the favorites but currently sits in eighth place. Someone will have to win… and the loser will sink even deeper.
Pavel & Amigos was once one of Dugout’s most promising newcomers, achieving the feat of becoming the second “child of Capelo” to reach the Brazilian first division. Today, they’re a luxury supporting act in C6. Black Griffins was once one of Brazil’s greatest clubs. Today, they’re a luxury supporting act in B1. The advantage, obviously, belongs to the Grifo. But at some point, Pavel will show why he was once considered one of the tactical kings of the new generation. Is this the moment?
Currently (somehow) playing in the CB is Geny. They face Meier, the king of VTs, this Tuesday (02). Admit it: this matchup has “early elimination” written all over it. You thought it, Renan Geny thought it, and anyone who knows Dugout can already picture it: Meier’s keeper with 20 saves and Geny returning home empty-handed once again. Another match with upset potential is Chocolate Sensual vs. Fábrica de Tecidos Bangu. Bangu seems more inconsistent in the Cup than in the CB, while Chocolate Sensual is a veteran that has gone deep in the tournament multiple times, even when their squads were below average. Expect emotions on Rua Fonseca, 240.
Another club from the Bertuol holding taking the field is Xurumela, in a mafia duel against Bnetto, the big boss of the Netto clan. Coming from a strong win over Real Madruga, Bernardo puts his chips once more on a magical night from veteran Adam Ghinda. Will that be enough? On the upper side of C8 and having beaten Joãonesburgo with relative ease, Cirandinha faces another active club from Série C — this time they face FC Homero, a team that always starts the season well and has a second half worthy of Ferreira.
Gigante Vasco Brasília is on a strong run, but Rato da Gama is likely its toughest opponent so far. One certainty: regardless of whether Rato wins or loses, Marcelo Amnésia will show up with a transfer bid for center-back Bahia. Mykonos went through rivals Fla United and is doing well in B1, but in the Copa do Brasil challenges never end: the draw paired them with Vasco Ribeiro, the dino of dinos. Defeated once again in the national team coach election, Salvador now has the chance to take revenge on the community. Step 1: Dynamo Osasco — which I’ve praised many times, but that has never actually had a big campaign. Maybe this is the time.
Santaço vs. Meninos da Vila is the type of duel that hardly needs commentary. Meninos da Vila, inactive for over a month, arrives motivated after eliminating Botafogo. Santaço is Santaço — win or lose, they will be criticized in this column. Tux Soccer has Sabino Nery, with the potential, OPS and ability to be the best goalkeeper in the world — and the stats worthy of Ambrosi Rossi. His bad luck? He's facing Atletic Rock in a rare good moment: Jeff and his squad are undefeated this season!
The highlight of dinosaur world is Nivek United vs. Mugraria, another matchup repeated over many, many years (even though they had different IDs). Kevin Nivek is coming off a thrashing — from yours truly — and wants redemption. Advantage goes to Nivek. And keep an eye on Inenarráveis, coming from a historic feat, now facing another active squad: instead of semi-dino Lebeira, this time their opponent is the promising Galácticos do Tsunami, leaders of C6 (which is equivalent to a seventh- or eighth-place finish in a decent C). But ask Douglas Candal: Copa do Brasil afternoons are magical at the Beyblade Arena.
