Sporting Portugal secured the Portuguese Cup for the seventeenth time in the club’s history on Sunday. In the final against Benfica, they had to come from behind, but after extra time, Sporting who had already won the league title ultimately came out on top.
Sporting Lisbon capped off an unforgettable and historic season by securing the Taça de Portugal with a dramatic 3-1 extra-time victory over Benfica on Sunday evening at the iconic Estádio Nacional.
The result not only delivered Sporting their 17th Portuguese Cup title, but also sealed a memorable domestic double, having already been crowned league champions weeks earlier. It was a night of emotion, resilience, and redemption, as the green and white of Lisbon once again stood above their greatest rivals in a final that had all the elements of a footballing classic.
The match began at a furious pace, with both teams displaying the intensity and hunger that such an occasion demands. Sporting, confident from their successful league campaign, tried to impose their rhythm early on, while Benfica, determined not to end another season empty-handed, looked sharp and organised. Among the standout names in the starting line-ups was Orkun Kökcü, formerly of Feyenoord, who was given a starting role by coach Bruno Lage. And the Turkish midfielder didn’t take long to justify that decision. Just minutes after the break, Kökcü broke the deadlock, latching onto a well-placed pass and firing into the net to put Benfica ahead, igniting hopes of lifting the trophy they hadn’t won since 2017.
Sporting responded with character but were continually frustrated by Benfica’s defensive structure and their own inefficiency in the final third. Fredrik Aursnes, another former Feyenoord player, came on to reinforce Benfica’s midfield, while striker Vangelis Pavlidis was taken off as the team looked to protect their narrow lead. As the second half wore on, it seemed increasingly likely that Kökcü’s goal would be the difference, as Benfica resisted wave after wave of Sporting pressure.
But football, and especially finals, often hinge on moments. And in stoppage time, Sporting found theirs. With the match slipping away, Viktor Gyökeres Sporting’s talismanic Swedish forward stepped up. In the dying seconds of the 96th minute, he capitalised on a loose ball in the box to level the score and send the green half of the stadium into a frenzy. It was a goal that not only changed the momentum of the match but injected new life into a Sporting side that had seemed destined for heartbreak.
The game continued into extra time, and the shift in energy was immediately noticeable. Benfica, stunned by the late equaliser, began to show signs of fatigue and hesitation, while Sporting pushed forward with renewed belief. It was no surprise when Gyökeres, again at the heart of the action, was brought down in the box early into extra time. The referee pointed to the spot, and without hesitation, Gyökeres stepped up and converted the penalty with composure, turning the tie completely in Sporting’s favour.
Benfica had no response. Their confidence shattered, they struggled to create meaningful chances, and Sporting continued to control possession and space. In the very last minute of extra time, the final blow was struck. Francisco Trincão, a former Barcelona talent who had been lively throughout the contest, found space and slotted home the third goal, putting the result beyond doubt. The scoreboard read 3-1, and the celebrations began long before the final whistle blew.
For Benfica, it was another painful chapter in recent history. Despite a promising performance and holding the lead until stoppage time, they were unable to close the match and have now gone another year without lifting the Taça de Portugal. Their last cup win remains in 2017, and questions will again be raised about their ability to deliver in the decisive moments.
For Sporting, this was more than just a trophy. It was the crowning moment of a season defined by unity, ambition, and execution. Under manager Rúben Amorim, the team has shown tactical maturity, attacking flair, and a winning mentality that has made them a force both domestically and, potentially, in Europe. With Gyökeres continuing to prove his worth as one of the best signings of the season, and the rest of the squad stepping up in key moments, Sporting have not only lifted silverware but sent a clear message to their rivals.
This Portuguese Cup final will be remembered for its twists, its drama, and its heroes. Above all, it will be remembered as the night Sporting Lisbon completed a dream season with the kind of victory that defines eras. Benfica led, but Sporting conquered. The green and white reign supreme in Portugal once again.
