The Portuguese Cup is almost upon us, with the country’s showpiece trophy to be contested between two of Europe’s biggest sides – Porto and Sporting CP.
What is the Portuguese Cup?:
The Portuguese Cup, known as the Taca de Portugal by supporters in Iberia, takes place at the end of the domestic season. Traditionally it has been won by Porto, Sporting CP or Benfica for the majority of occasions. It was introduced in 1938, though a cup competition in Portugal stretches back to 1912.
When Will the Final Be Played?:
- Venue: Estádio Nacional do Jamor, Linda-a-Velha, Portugal.
- Date: Sunday, May 26
- Kick-off time: 17:15 UK time / 18:15 CET / 12:15 ET
Key Players – Impactful Figures on the Pitch:
Evanilson has been in sparkling form for Porto, with the 24-year-old Brazilian notching 23 goals in 38 appearances, and more than a goal a game in the Portuguese Cup. This match could be made for him.
Swedish forward Viktor Gyokeres sparkled for Coventry City last year but he is on course to double his tally of 21 for the Sky Blues in the previous campaign. He has 41 already, and top European clubs are circling for the Swede.
Porto’s Road to the Final:
Porto made light work of the easy rounds as they defeated Vilar de Perdizes, Montalegre and then Estoril Praia without conceding a goal. They beat Santa Clara 2-1 in the quarter-finals and then beat Vitoria SC 4-1 on aggregate over two legs for the semis.
Mehdi Taremi, Pepe and Francisco Conceicao all netted in response to a first-minute opening goal from Afonso Freitas in the second leg to quell any hope for the visitors.
Sporting CP’s Road to the Final:
Sporting defeated Olivais e Moscavide 3-1, then rattled in eight against Muniense, and four past Tondela. They defeated UD Leiria 3-0 in the quarters, before meeting Benfica in the semis.
The first leg saw Sporting clinch a 2-1 win at home, and a 2-2 draw in the second leg was secured with second-half goals from Morten Hjulmand and Paulinho.
Where Will the Portuguese Cup Final Be Played?:
The venue, Estádio Nacional do Jamor was opened in 1944 and has regularly hosted the Portugal national team, though the last match was 10 years ago, and between 2018 and 2022 was the home venue for Portuguese football team B-SAD. The venue has hosted the Portuguese Cup 52 times since 1946.
Tactical Analysis – Strategies Unveiled:
Porto under Sergio Conceicao gives right winger Francisco Conceicao the chance to attack the opponent’s left-back, with Evanilson, Taremi and Galeno all attacking the backline. The team pressure from the front, and they have since shifted from 4-4-2 to 4-2-3-1 to allow wingers the freedom to come in centrally.
Sporting CP boss Ruben Amorim allows his back three to push forward to create spaces, but a double pivot in midfield is ready to fall back and provide cover. The front three swap positions to create chances and opportunities, with the forwards all looking to regain possession quickly.
Roll of Honour of the Cup:
The Portuguese Cup has been dominated by the big three of the country’s football teams. Benfica have won it 26 times, Porto 19, and Sporting CP 17. Boavista have won it five times.
