Sporting Lisbon secured a memorable 3-1 victory over arch-rivals Benfica on Sunday to lift the Portuguese Cup, completing a stunning domestic double after narrowly clinching the league title against the same opponents just weeks earlier.
Rui Borges’ men demonstrated their resilience once again, forcing the final into extra time after prolific striker Viktor Gyokeres converted a dramatic penalty in the 11th minute of stoppage time. Benfica had taken the lead shortly after the break through Orkun Kokcu’s 47th-minute strike.
Sporting seized control in extra time, with Conrad Harder netting in the 99th minute before Francisco Trincao sealed the triumph with a late goal, breaking the hearts of their Lisbon rivals.
The season took a drastic turn earlier in the campaign when head coach Ruben Amorim departed for Manchester United in November.
His immediate replacement, Joao Pereira, struggled to maintain momentum, casting doubts on the team’s direction.
However, Borges took charge just over a month later and successfully steered the club back on course.
Under his guidance, Sporting defended their league title and added the Portuguese Cup for an impressive double.
“We almost lost but in the last minute (we saved it), only a great team can do this,” midfielder Morten Hjulmand told Sport TV.
“It’s an honour to be part of this team, I really enjoy it.”
Having lost the 2024 final to Porto, Hjulmand expressed relief and joy at finally getting his hands on the trophy.
“We weren’t completely satisfied last year, we were left with a bit of an empty feeling but now the cup is ours and we want to celebrate,” he said.
The final could mark the end of Gyokeres’ time in Lisbon, with the 26-year-old attracting interest from top European sides after a sensational campaign that saw him bag 54 goals in all competitions.
“You have to ask him (about his future), he has a contract — if it were up to me he would stay,” Hjulmand added.
