Benfica and Sporting CP, two of Lisbon’s football giants, are set for a dramatic showdown in the Taça de Portugal final on Sunday, May 25, 2025, at the iconic Estádio Nacional do Jamor in Oeiras. This high-stakes encounter is not only the culmination of a fiercely competitive season but also marks the eighth time these rivals have met in a Portuguese Cup final, their first such clash since 1996.
Road to the Final
- Benfica reached the final in dominant fashion, crushing Tirsense 9-0 on aggregate in the semifinals. The Eagles are aiming to extend their record with a 27th Taça de Portugal title.
- Sporting CP secured their place with a 4-1 aggregate win over Rio Ave, demonstrating tactical discipline and clinical finishing. The Lions, already crowned Primeira Liga champions, are seeking their 18th cup triumph and a domestic double.
Recent Rivalry and Season Storyline
This season has been defined by the intense rivalry between the two clubs:
- Benfica edged Sporting in a penalty shootout to claim the League Cup in January.
- Sporting responded by clinching the Primeira Liga title, finishing two points ahead of Benfica after a tightly contested campaign.
- The teams drew 1-1 in their most recent league encounter, continuing a trend of closely fought derbies.
Key Players and Final Farewells
This final will be the last match for two stars with their respective clubs:
- Ángel Di María is set to leave Benfica after the season, ending his second spell in Lisbon1.
- Viktor Gyökeres, Sporting’s prolific striker (39 league goals, 4 in the Cup), is expected to move to the Premier League this summer.
Projected Lineups
| Benfica (4-3-3) | Sporting CP (3-4-3) |
|---|---|
| Trubin | Rui Silva |
| Tomás Araújo | Eduardo Quaresma |
| António Silva | Diomande |
| Otamendi | Gonçalo Inácio |
| Carreras | Geny Catamo |
| Florentino Luís | Morita |
| Barreiro | Debast |
| Kokçu | Maxi Araújo |
| Akturkoglu | Trincão |
| Schjelderup | Pedro Gonçalves |
| Pavlidis | Gyökeres |
What’s at Stake
- Sporting CP are aiming to complete a historic domestic double, riding the momentum of a 17-match unbeaten run.
- Benfica see the final as a chance to salvage their season and claim silverware after narrowly missing out on the league title.
- The match is also charged with emotion and history, given the tragic events of the 1996 final and the passionate fan bases of both clubs.
Kickoff and Coverage
- Kickoff: 5:15 p.m. local time (Oeiras)
- Broadcast: Live on beIN SPORTS USA, with coverage starting at 11:50 a.m. ET / 8:50 a.m. PT.
Match Outlook
With both teams in top form, major trophies on the line, and the added narrative of key players’ farewells, this Taça de Portugal final promises to be one of the most memorable Lisbon derbies in recent history. Expect a fiercely contested match, high drama, and football at its finest as the season reaches its climax.