Sporting Lisbon Seal Portuguese Cup Triumph Over Benfica to Complete Domestic Double

Sporting Lisbon capped off a remarkable season with a dramatic 3-1 extra-time victory over fierce rivals Benfica in the Portuguese Cup final on Sunday, securing a prestigious domestic double just weeks after clinching the league title.

Held at the Estádio Nacional, the final unfolded in thrilling fashion. Benfica appeared set to lift the trophy after Orkun Kokcu gave them the lead in the 47th minute. But Sporting refused to surrender, and deep into stoppage time, Swedish striker Viktor Gyökeres held his nerve to convert a penalty in the 101st minute, sending the match into extra time and reigniting hopes for Ruben Amorim’s former side.

Conrad Harder gave Sporting the advantage with a well-taken goal in the 99th minute of extra time, before Francisco Trincão sealed the win in the closing seconds, sparking wild celebrations among the Sporting faithful.

The victory was a personal triumph for manager Rui Borges, who took charge mid-season after a turbulent period that saw Ruben Amorim depart for Manchester United in November. Amorim’s exit briefly unsettled the squad, and his initial replacement, João Pereira, struggled to maintain momentum. Borges, however, quickly stabilized the team and led them to back-to-back league titles and now, a long-awaited cup victory.

“We almost lost, but in the last minute we saved it — only a great team can do this,” said midfielder Morten Hjulmand after the match. “It’s an honor to be part of this team.”

Sporting were looking to make amends after narrowly losing last year’s cup final to FC Porto. Hjulmand admitted that the pain of that defeat added motivation this season.

“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 may also mark the end of Viktor Gyökeres’ spell at Sporting. The 26-year-old forward has enjoyed a sensational campaign, netting 54 goals in all competitions and attracting attention from several top European clubs.

“You have to ask him about his future. He has a contract — if it were up to me, he would stay,” Hjulmand added.

Sporting’s victory not only solidifies their dominance in Portuguese football this season but also signals a successful new chapter under Borges, whose swift impact has restored the team’s competitive edge and ambition.