Sporting Clinch Taça de Portugal Victory Over Benfica

Lisbon, May 25, 2025 — Sporting Clube de Portugal completed a memorable domestic double on Sunday night, defeating city rivals Benfica 3–1 after extra time in a thrilling Taça de Portugal final at the Estádio Nacional.

In a match packed with drama, controversy, and emotion, Benfica took the lead early in the second half through a well-placed strike from Orkun Kökçü. The Eagles looked poised to claim their first Portuguese Cup since 2017, but Sporting’s resilience and late heroics turned the tide.

The turning point came deep into stoppage time, when Viktor Gyökeres—potentially making his final appearance for Sporting—calmly converted a penalty in the 101st minute, sending the green-and-white supporters into raptures and forcing extra time.

With momentum firmly on their side, Sporting surged ahead in the 99th minute of extra time thanks to Caroline Harder’s composed finish. Benfica, visibly deflated, struggled to respond, and Francisco Trincão sealed the victory with a goal in the dying seconds (120’+1), sparking wild celebrations among Sporting fans and players alike.

The match was not without controversy. Both sides saw goals ruled out for offside after VAR reviews, and tempers flared as the stakes became clear. The final also marked emotional farewells for two stars: Ángel Di María, playing his last game for Benfica, and Gyökeres, whose future is the subject of intense transfer speculation.

Sporting’s triumph caps a remarkable season, having already secured the Primeira Liga title. For Benfica, the defeat brings a disappointing end to a campaign that promised much but ultimately delivered no major silverware.

As the final whistle blew, Sporting’s players and supporters reveled in a hard-fought victory that will live long in the memory—one that cements their place at the pinnacle of Portuguese football for the 2024/25 season.

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