The final of the 2024/25 Taça de Portugal is set to be a thrilling encounter, as SL Benfica and Sporting CP prepare to clash in a highly anticipated Lisbon derby at the Estádio Nacional do Jamor on May 25, 2025. This matchup marks a significant moment in Portuguese football, rekindling a fierce rivalry that has been dormant in the context of the Taça de Portugal since 1996.
After a commanding performance in the semi-finals, Benfica secured their spot in the final with an aggregate score of 9-0 against Tirsense. They won the first leg 5-0 and followed it up with a decisive 4-0 victory in the second leg on April 23, 2025. António Silva opened the scoring for Benfica just after halftime, and the team continued to dominate with goals from Adrian Bajrami, Andrea Belotti, and Leandro Barreiro.
Benfica's coach, Bruno Lage, opted to rest some of his key players during the match, showcasing the depth of his squad as they cruised to victory. The team’s performance not only highlighted their attacking prowess but also their defensive solidity, as they kept a clean sheet throughout the semi-finals.
Meanwhile, Sporting CP also advanced to the final after eliminating Rio Ave with a 4-1 aggregate score. Sporting won the first leg 2-0 and secured their place in the final with a 2-1 victory in the second leg on April 22, 2025. Goals from Gonçalo Inácio and Viktor Gyökeres propelled Sporting into the final, showcasing their determination to reclaim their position at the top of Portuguese football.
Both teams are currently locked in a fierce battle for the Campeonato Português title, with Sporting leading the table with 72 points, level with Benfica. This adds an extra layer of intensity to the upcoming final, as both clubs vie not only for cup glory but also for league supremacy.
Historically, Benfica has been the more successful club in the Taça de Portugal, having won the competition 26 times, while Sporting has claimed it 17 times. The last final between these two giants took place in 1996, a match marred by tragedy when a Sporting fan lost their life due to a violent incident involving a Benfica supporter. This historical context adds a poignant weight to their upcoming clash.
As the final approaches, both teams are preparing meticulously. Benfica will play their next match against AVS on April 27, 2025, in the Campeonato Português, while Sporting faces Boavista. These matches are crucial as both teams look to maintain momentum leading into the cup final.
Fans are eagerly anticipating this encounter, which promises to be a showcase of skill, passion, and rivalry. The Estádio Nacional do Jamor will undoubtedly be filled with supporters from both sides, creating an electrifying atmosphere for one of the most important matches in Portuguese football this season.
The anticipation surrounding the final is palpable, and as both teams gear up for battle, the question remains: who will emerge victorious in this historic derby? Will Benfica add another title to their illustrious history, or will Sporting rise to the occasion and claim their 18th Taça de Portugal? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: this final will be one for the ages.
