Lisbon, Portugal — Bruno Lage, head coach of Benfica, made headlines during a pre-match press conference on April 22, 2025, when he expertly redirected questions to focus on the upcoming Taça de Portugal match against Tirsense. The incident highlighted a moment of tension with a CMTV journalist who appeared unprepared and unaware of key information regarding Benfica’s opponent.
The press conference began with inquiries about Benfica’s previous match, but Lage responded firmly, indicating that the focus should remain on the match ahead and not on unrelated provocations. He pointed out that discussions about Sporting CP or comments from their coach were not relevant to the current context, stating, “Today, we are here to talk about Tirsense and the important match coming up. Let’s keep our eyes on that.”
This exchange illustrated not only Lage’s professionalism but also the challenges journalists face when attempting to cover high-stakes matches. Lage’s composed demeanor stood in sharp contrast to the apparent lack of knowledge exhibited by the journalist, who failed to even mention the name of the Tirsense coach.
The pre-game atmosphere ahead of the semi-final match at Estádio da Luz, scheduled for April 23, has already created buzz following Benfica’s decisive 5-0 victory in the first leg. The team is keen to secure their advancement to the finals of the tournament. Lage emphasized the need for focus and determination, stating, “Our players must concentrate fully. We cannot allow distractions to interfere with our performance. Our goal is the final, and we must play our best game tomorrow.”
Lage also addressed rumors surrounding player transfers and the involvement of the president with the squad. He denied any discussions or interactions that could lead to speculation about potential signings, reinforcing that the immediate concern lies solely with the game and the current roster. “It is vital that we prioritize our preparation for the match against Tirsense,” he stated. “We have enough challenges already without unnecessary distractions from media coverage or player gossip.”
As the time approaches for the semifinal match, fans are eager to see how Benfica will perform. With Bruno Lage at the helm, Benfica fans hope for a strong showing, particularly in light of earlier criticisms directed at the team and the coach in various media outlets.
The game’s officiating crew features Bruno Costa as the main referee, alongside his assistants Jorge Fernandes and João Morte, with João Mendes as the fourth official. Video Assistant Referee (VAR) duties will be handled by Rui Silva, with Ângelo Carneiro assisting. All eyes will be on both the players and the coaching staff as they prepare for what promises to be an electrifying encounter.
