Benfica close but no cigar in Taca de Portugal Final

Benfica were less then 90 seconds away from capturing the Taca de Portugal trophy in the final game of the Portuguese season but a stupid defensive challenge by substitute Renato Sanches handed Sporting a late injury time penalty that Gyokeres would convert to take this game into additional time 1-1.

The late equalizer seemed to take the sails out of Benfica's game and they would go on to fall to cross town rivals Sporting 3-1 when all was said and done. Benfica played well for most of the 90 minutes  but did not get any breaks from the officiating crew on the night.

A night that saw the club get a penalty awarded and then reversed due to a very close offside and a goal by Bruma that would have put the club up by two goals, called back by a questionable foul call prior to the development of the goal.

Sporting also seemed to get away from a straight red card that saw striker Belotti get his head stepped on by a Matheus Reis in the 94th minutes while he was on the ground after a ball battle, this seemed to be missed by both the officials and VAR although you can find a clip of the incident quite easily through social media.

Benfica end the 2024-25 season having captured the Taca da Liga trophy and will need to prepare for the upcoming Club World Cup in the next few weeks, while at the same time look into strengthening the club going into next season. Benfica and Sporting will kick off the 2025-26 Portuguese season in the Super Cup come August.