The highly anticipated semi-final match of the Taça de Portugal took place on April 3, 2025, at the Estádio José Alvalade, where Sporting CP faced off against Rio Ave. The match kicked off at 20:15 local time, and it was a crucial encounter for both teams as they aimed for a spot in the prestigious final at Jamor.
Sporting CP emerged victorious, defeating Rio Ave 2-0 in the first leg of the semi-finals, bringing them one step closer to the coveted cup. The match saw an impressive performance from the home side, who controlled the game from the outset. Sporting's Geny Catamo opened the scoring in the 12th minute, taking advantage of a loose ball at the edge of the box. He quickly received the pass and fired a shot that beat goalkeeper Cezary Miszta, putting the lions ahead early in the match.
Despite Sporting's dominance, the first half unfolded at a relatively slow pace, with the visitors from Vila do Conde struggling to create significant threats. The only noteworthy attempt from Rio Ave came from André Luiz, who took a long-range shot that failed to find the back of the net. Sporting, on the other hand, continued to press, with Catamo and Viktor Gyökeres leading the charge.
Just before the half-time whistle, Gyökeres extended Sporting's lead by converting a penalty kick after a foul by Brandon Aguilera on Catamo. The Swedish forward executed the penalty with a Panenka-style finish, sending the ball into the net and leaving the crowd buzzing with excitement.
As the second half began, Sporting maintained their control over the match, although the pace remained subdued. Coach Rui Borges's side seemed comfortable with their two-goal cushion, and Rio Ave struggled to mount any serious challenge. Gyökeres, who had already made a significant impact, continued to create opportunities but was unable to add to his tally.
In the latter stages of the match, Sporting increased their intensity, looking to secure a more comfortable advantage heading into the second leg. They created several chances, particularly through Gyökeres, who showcased his skill but lacked the finishing touch to convert his opportunities into goals.
With the final whistle, Sporting walked away with a solid 2-0 lead, positioning themselves favorably for the return leg, which is scheduled to take place in late April at Paços de Ferreira, the temporary home of Rio Ave. The winner of this semi-final will face either Tirsense or Benfica in the final, intensifying the stakes for both teams.
After the match, Debast, a key player for Sporting, reflected on the performance, stating, "It was a good result. We played well from the first minute, but perhaps we should have won by more goals if we had finished better." He acknowledged the significance of the Taça de Portugal, saying, "Everyone talks to me about Jamor. It’s an incredible moment for the club, the fans, and the team. However, we need to stay focused on the second game against Rio Ave."
Sporting CP's recent form has been impressive, with the team enjoying a five-match winning streak since the departure of former coach Rúben Amorim to Manchester United. This winning momentum has propelled them to the top of the Primeira Liga standings, where they currently sit with 53 points.
In contrast, Rio Ave has struggled in recent weeks, suffering four defeats in their last five matches. Under the guidance of coach Petit, the team finds itself in a precarious position, sitting 11th in the league with 29 points. The stark contrast between the two teams' forms added an extra layer of intrigue to the semi-final clash.
Historically, Sporting CP has had the upper hand in their encounters with Rio Ave. In 70 matches between the two sides, Sporting has secured 44 victories, while Rio Ave has managed just nine wins, with 17 matches ending in draws. In the context of the Taça de Portugal, the teams have met five times, with Sporting winning three times, Rio Ave once, and one match ending in a draw.
The atmosphere at the Estádio José Alvalade was electric, with passionate fans cheering on their team, eager to see Sporting advance to the final. As the players left the pitch, the supporters celebrated the victory, hopeful that their team would carry this momentum into the second leg.
As the second leg approaches, the focus will shift to how both teams prepare for the decisive match. Sporting will look to build on their lead and secure a place in the final, while Rio Ave will aim to overturn the deficit and keep their cup dreams alive. The stage is set for an exciting conclusion to this semi-final tie, with both teams poised to give their all in pursuit of glory.
