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.

 

Angel di Maria wants to end Portugal adventure with Cup

Angel di Maria has already announced that he will not be returning to Benfica when his contract is up at the end of next month but wants to make sure to end his Benfica career in style by winning the Taca de Portugal trophy on Sunday against rivals Sporting.

Di Maria who returned to Benfica two seasons ago is set to move on from the club but it is still unknown if the 37 year old will continue his career elsewhere or hang up his boots at the conclusion of the season.

Di Maria will still represent Benfica at the Club World Cup in the America during the summer months but the Taca de Portugal will be his farewell game in Portugal.

This will be the first Taca de Portugal final that Di Maria has played in and it would be a perfect send off for the Argentinian to capture a trophy that has alluded him in his time at the club. Di Maria has also failed to score in a game against Sporting as a Benfica player and will get his final this weekend.

Bruno Lage will be back on the sidelines next season

Benfica President Rui Costa confirmed that Bruno Lage will continue as the team's coach for the 2025-26 season, despite the club’s failure to secure the 2024-25 Portuguese League title. With the club still in debt with former manager Roger Schmidt and his staff in the tune of just over €10M, it was a safe bet that Lage would not be leaving the club in the summer.

Speaking after a 1-1 draw against Braga on the final match day, which saw Sporting clinch the championship, Costa expressed unwavering support for Lage. He highlighted Lage’s achievements since taking over mid-season, including winning the Taca da Liga, reaching the Taca de Portugal final, and keeping Benfica in the title race until the end. “Bruno Lage will definitely start the next season at Benfica.”  

Costa stated, emphasizing that Lage was “the least responsible” for the season’s outcome. This decision comes amid fan frustration and looming presidential elections in October 2025, with Costa focusing on upcoming challenges like the Taca de Portugal final against Sporting on May 25, 2025 and this summers Club World Cup tournament.

With Lage at the helm, Benfica did out point Sporting from the time of his arrival and Benfica made it to the round of 16 of the new formatted Champions League bowing out to eventual La Liga champions Barcelona. The club will undoubtedly sell a few key pieces from the squad but hope to replace those pieces with equal or better parts this summer.