Benfica hosted Tirsense at the Estádio da Luz on April 23, 2025, in the much-anticipated second leg of the 2024/2025 Taca de Portugal semifinal. With a commanding 5-0 lead from the first leg, the Lisbon giants were on the brink of securing their place in the final for the 39th time in their illustrious history. The match kicked off at 3:15 PM ET, and fans were eager to see if Tirsense could pull off a miracle against the formidable Eagles.
Benfica's dominance in the first leg was evident, as they took an early lead in the 16th minute thanks to an own goal from Tirsense's João Pedro. This was followed by goals from Joao Rego, Gianluca Prestianni, Arthur Cabral, and Andreas Schjelderup, solidifying a comfortable 5-0 victory. With eyes on an upcoming Primeira Liga title showdown, Benfica was expected to rotate their squad to preserve key players for the league's final stretch.
Despite the daunting task ahead, Tirsense entered the match with a glimmer of hope. The third-tier side had recently broken a streak of defeats in the Portuguese Championship by beating OS Sadinenses 4-3, with the winning goal coming in stoppage time. Emanuel Simões, Tirsense's coach, expressed confidence in his team's ability to compete, stating, "We're going to Luz, the biggest stadium in the country, to give a good image and make Benfica suffer at times if we have to. That's our main objective. We want to score; it would be an interesting goal and leave the result open."
As the match progressed, Benfica showcased their attacking prowess, and it was clear they were not taking Tirsense lightly. The Eagles maintained possession and created several scoring opportunities, putting pressure on Tirsense's defense. The first goal of the match came in the 47th minute when Antônio Silva found the back of the net, giving Benfica a 1-0 lead and extending their aggregate score to 6-0.
With the momentum firmly in their favor, Benfica continued to dominate the match. In the 74th minute, Bajrami scored the second goal, further solidifying Benfica's grip on the game. Just four minutes later, Belotti added to the tally, making it 3-0. The final goal came in the 90th minute from Barreiro, sealing a resounding 4-0 victory for Benfica on the night and an aggregate score of 9-0 over the two legs.
This victory not only secured Benfica's place in the final but also highlighted their remarkable record in the Taca de Portugal, where they have won the domestic cup 26 times and finished as runners-up on 12 occasions. The Eagles have been undefeated in their last seven games across all competitions, picking up six wins during this stretch. Their impressive form has made them the team to beat in the tournament.
Tirsense, despite the disappointment of their semifinal exit, can hold their heads high after a historic run in the cup. The club, competing in Portugal's fourth tier, has made significant strides this season and will look to build on this experience moving forward. Emanuel Simões acknowledged the challenge, stating, "We want to compete at our best. It's a tough task, but we are proud of our journey in this tournament."
Looking ahead, Benfica will face their fierce rivals Sporting in the final. This matchup promises to be an exciting clash, as both teams are vying for supremacy in Portuguese football. With the Primeira Liga title race heating up, Benfica will need to balance their squad carefully to ensure they remain competitive on all fronts.
The match was broadcast live in the USA on platforms such as Fubo, beIN SPORTS, and Fanatiz, allowing fans to catch all the action. Fubo offered a free trial, making it accessible for viewers eager to witness the semifinal showdown.
In conclusion, Benfica's 4-0 victory over Tirsense not only secured their place in the Taca de Portugal final but also showcased their strength and depth as a team. The Eagles will now turn their attention to the upcoming final against Sporting, where they will aim to add another trophy to their impressive collection.
