In a highly anticipated clash, SL Benfica faced FC Tirsense in the first leg of the Taca de Portugal 2024-25 semi-finals on Wednesday, April 9, 2025. The match, held at the Estadio Cidade de Barcelos, marked a significant moment for the lower-tier side Tirsense, who were making just their second appearance in the semi-finals of this prestigious tournament.
Benfica, a powerhouse in Portuguese football and the record holder with 26 Taca de Portugal titles, came into the match as overwhelming favorites. The Eagles have a storied history in this competition, having reached the final 38 times and boasting an impressive track record against Tirsense, winning 20 of the 22 encounters between the two teams across all competitions.
Tirsense, competing in the Campeonato de Portugal, the fourth tier of Portuguese football, had previously enjoyed a remarkable cup run, knocking out teams like Vieira, Caldas, Brito SC, Rebordosa, and O Elvas. However, they had not yet faced any clubs from the top tier, making this match a monumental challenge.
Despite their underdog status, Tirsense was determined to put up a fight. The club's last semi-final appearance came in the 1970-71 season, where they were eliminated by none other than Benfica. Coach Jorge Silva emphasized the need for his team to remain organized and to exploit any weaknesses in Benfica’s game. “We know the difficulties we will face, but we also know that what has brought us this far is that we are a lively, organised team with our own merits,” Silva stated.
On the other hand, Benfica was looking to bounce back after a narrow victory over Sporting Braga in the previous round of the cup, where they won 1-0 thanks to a first-half strike from Vangelis Pavlidis. The Eagles were in fine form, having won four of their last five matches, including a stunning 4-1 victory over FC Porto just days before this cup tie.
However, Benfica faced some setbacks as they prepared for the match, missing key players Angel Di Maria, Alexander Bah, and Florentino due to injury. Despite these absences, the team remained confident in their depth and talent. Coach Roger Schmidt acknowledged the challenge but reinforced the team's focus on winning the cup, stating, "We are the favorites to win the tie against Tirsense. Our full focus is on the Portuguese Cup, because it's a semi-final. We've had a very good run."
The match began with Benfica asserting their dominance early on. They controlled possession and created several chances, showcasing their attacking prowess. Tirsense, on the other hand, relied on a solid defensive structure to withstand the pressure. However, as the first half progressed, it became clear that Benfica's quality was beginning to shine through.
In the 30th minute, Benfica broke the deadlock. Arthur Cabral, who had been a key player for the Eagles, scored a well-placed shot from inside the box, putting Benfica ahead. The goal sent a wave of excitement through their traveling supporters, who had made the journey to Barcelos.
Just minutes later, Gianluca Prestianni doubled the lead for Benfica, finishing off a brilliant move that left Tirsense's defense scrambling. The home side was now facing an uphill battle, trailing 2-0 before halftime.
Tirsense attempted to regroup during the break, with Silva urging his players to maintain their composure and look for opportunities to counterattack. “We cannot try to divide the game one-on-one. We need coverage, organisation and intelligence,” he advised. The coach remained optimistic, noting, “In football, the game only ends after 90 minutes.”
As the second half unfolded, Benfica continued to press for more goals, looking to secure a comfortable lead heading into the second leg. Tirsense, while struggling to create clear chances, showed resilience and determination, attempting to push forward whenever possible.
Benfica's relentless attacking play paid off again when João Pedro inadvertently scored an own goal, extending the lead to 3-0. This unfortunate turn of events for Tirsense further dampened their hopes of a comeback.
Throughout the match, Benfica's defense remained solid, with goalkeeper Tiago Gonçalves making crucial saves to deny Tirsense any chance of scoring. The Eagles' backline, led by experienced players like Otamendi and António Silva, ensured that the home side could not find a way through.
As the final whistle approached, Benfica looked to consolidate their advantage, while Tirsense aimed to salvage some pride. Despite their best efforts, the home side could not find the back of the net, and the match concluded with Benfica securing a convincing 3-0 victory.
With this result, Benfica took a significant step towards the final of the Taca de Portugal, while Tirsense faced a daunting task in the second leg. The Eagles will head into the return fixture with confidence, knowing they have a solid lead. Meanwhile, Tirsense will need to regroup and find a way to overcome the odds if they hope to turn the tie around.
Fans in India were able to catch the match live on the Tabii website and app, while viewers in the USA tuned in through beIN SPORTS and other platforms. The match was also broadcast live in Portugal on Sport TV channels.
As both teams prepare for the next leg, the excitement surrounding the Taca de Portugal continues to build, with Benfica firmly in the driver’s seat.
