Faraj Benlahoucine, Media365: Published on Sunday, May 24, 2026 at 10:41 PM
Sporting Surprised by Torreense in Portuguese Cup Final
Sporting was caught off guard in the Portuguese Cup final by a second-division club, Torreense, who won their very first title in history (2-1, after extra time). This is a first for a club from the national second tier.
The football in Portugal is rich and technical, undoubtedly one of the most attractive in Europe. This year, it delivered a rather original scenario on the national stage. Porto regained the championship crown after three years of disappointment. Nothing surprising there. However, the Blue and Whites were crowned despite two defeats in the 34 matchdays, including one against the last-placed AFS. Disappointing for Benfica, who finished 3rd, despite a season devoid of any major disappointments. Even the Eagles finished behind the defending champion, the Lisbon neighbor Sporting, who played in the Portuguese Cup final this Sunday.
Despite itself, the capital club is making headlines in the west of the Iberian Peninsula. For once, their defeat in the Cup conquest was recorded against a second-division club, Torreense. At the Oeiras stadium, the underdog opened the scoring surprisingly through former Ligue 1 striker, Kevin Zohi, who also played for Strasbourg (1-0, 4th minute). In the second half, another striker with experience in the French league, specifically at Marseille, Luis Suarez, found the back of the net for the Lions (1-1, 54th minute). However, neither he nor any other Sporting player could capitalize on their team’s domination.
Torreense Qualifies for Europa League and Portuguese Super Cup
A lack of fatal realism as during extra time, the Uruguayan Maximiliano Araujo provoked a penalty and also received a red card. Facing Rui Silva, Stopira did not hesitate to convert the penalty. With a left-footed cannonball (2-1, 113th minute), the 38-year-old Cape Verdean awarded Torreense their first-ever title. Unprecedented in Portugal where a second-division team had never won the Cup. Not only did the Torres Vedras club win a title, but they will also participate in the Europa League group stage next season. And as a bonus, the Portuguese Super Cup against Porto on July 31.
The fairy tale of Torreense potentially continues. They are qualified for the promotional playoff to Liga Portugal, where Mohamed Diadié (who previously played for Gagny and Neuilly-sur-Marne) and his team will play the second leg against Casa Pia in four days. In the first leg, the two teams drew 0-0.
