In a thrilling encounter at the Estádio da Luz, Benfica and Sporting CP battled to a 1-1 draw on May 10, 2025, leaving the title race wide open as both teams remain tied at the top of the Primeira Liga standings with 79 points each. The match was filled with tension and excitement, as both teams fought hard for the championship on the penultimate matchday of the season.
The game kicked off with an electric atmosphere, and it didn't take long for Sporting CP to strike first. Just four minutes in, Francisco Trincão, the former Barcelona player, found the back of the net, giving Sporting a 1-0 lead. The early goal sent waves of excitement through the visiting supporters, who were hoping for a title-clinching victory.
However, Benfica was not to be outdone. The home side, under the guidance of coach Bruno Lage, pushed hard for an equalizer throughout the first half. Despite their efforts, they struggled to create clear-cut chances, with the first half ending without a single shot on target from Benfica. Their frustration was palpable as they went into the break trailing.
The second half saw a change in momentum. Benfica made a tactical switch at halftime, bringing on Norwegian forward Schjelderup in place of Ángel Di María, who had been one of their more active players. This decision sparked a resurgence from the home side, who began to dominate possession and create opportunities.
In the 63rd minute, Kerem Aktürkoğlu leveled the score for Benfica, capitalizing on a brilliant assist from Pavlidis. The Turkish forward's goal reignited hope for the home crowd, who were eager to see their team take control of the match.
As the clock ticked down, both teams had chances to secure a victory. Benfica's Belotti came close in the 76th minute, hitting the post with a powerful shot that had the potential to be a match-winner. On the other end, Sporting's Gyökeres, who has been a standout performer this season with 38 league goals, was repeatedly thwarted by Benfica's goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin, who made crucial saves throughout the match.
Trubin's performance was nothing short of spectacular, as he recorded three vital saves and maintained a 90% passing accuracy, completing 19 of 21 passes. His efforts earned him praise from fans and analysts alike, with ratings of 6.7 from Whoscored and 7.1 from Sofascore, highlighting his importance in securing the draw for Benfica.
The match concluded with a flurry of activity, as both teams pushed for a late winner but ultimately settled for the draw. The result means that the title will be decided on the final day of the season, with Benfica facing Sporting Braga and Sporting CP taking on Vitoria Guimaraes.
With both teams level on points and the title hanging in the balance, the stakes could not be higher for the final matchday. Sporting CP, having won the first leg 1-0 earlier in the season, holds a slight advantage in the event of a tie on points, as the first tiebreaker is based on head-to-head results.
Fans are eagerly anticipating the climax of the season, which promises to be a dramatic conclusion to a fiercely contested league. The final matches will take place simultaneously on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at 16:30, ensuring that both clubs will face their opponents with everything on the line.
As the dust settles on this intense derby, both Benfica and Sporting CP will reflect on missed opportunities and prepare for one last push for glory. The rivalry between these two Lisbon giants continues to captivate fans, and the final showdown is set to be a memorable one.
