Lisbon, Portugal — On Sunday, May 25, 2025, at 5:15 PM, Benfica and Sporting Lisbon will battle it out at Estadio Nacional do Jamor for the prestigious Taca de Portugal title. Both teams are coming into the final with one domestic trophy each this season and are eager to establish their dominance in Portuguese football.
Earlier this year, Benfica triumphed over Sporting in a tense penalty shootout during the League Cup, while Sporting rebounded by clinching the Primeira Liga title. This thrilling rivalry has only intensified, making this final a must-watch event.
Benfica’s campaign has been characterized by fierce competition, initially knocking out Sporting in the League Cup but narrowly missing out on the league title, finishing just two points behind. Head coach Bruno Lage‘s squad had a turbulent finish in the league, drawing three of their last six matches, which included a disappointing 1-1 stalemate against Sporting at Estadio da Luz.
“We need to shake off the draws. We’ve been dominant in the derbies but couldn’t convert that into wins,” Lage noted, acknowledging the challenge ahead.
On the other side, Sporting Lisbon enters the final with renewed vigor after winning the league and boasting an impressive 17-match unbeaten streak. Their last match saw a solid victory over Vitoria de Guimaraes, which not only secured their league crown but also served as a morale booster.
Sporting’s coach, Rúben Amorim, expressed confidence: “We’ve learned from past finals. This time, we are focused on not letting our chance slip away.”
Historically, Benfica has struggled in recent finals, having lost their last two appearances in the Taca de Portugal since their last triumph in 2016-17, while Sporting aims for redemption after losing to Porto last season.
Benfica will be missing a couple of key players due to injuries, with veteran goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos and midfielder Enzo Fernandez both sidelined. Star striker Gonçalo Ramos is expected to lead Benfica’s attack after scoring 29 goals across all competitions this season.
Sporting will face their own challenges with suspension issues, but their prolific forward, Pedro Gonçalves, who has netted 53 goals in 51 matches this season, remains a critical threat to Benfica’s defense.
As both teams refine their tactics and finalize their lineups, many expect a tight, tactical showdown that could very well end in another penalty shootout. With the stakes higher than ever, fans eagerly await what promises to be an electrifying encounter.
Do you have a news tip for NNN? Please email us at editor@nnn.ng
