The Taça da Liga final between Sporting and Benfica, held at the Alvalade stadium, delivered an intense and balanced first half. Goals from Andreas Schjelderup for Benfica and Viktor Gyökeres for Sporting left the score level, showcasing the high-quality technical duel between two of Portugal’s most iconic teams. As the second half begins, the match remains fiercely contested with both teams battling for every inch of the field.
The game started at a fast pace, with both sides looking to impose their strategies. Benfica took the lead in the 29th minute through a brilliant goal by Schjelderup, assisted by Ángel Di María. Sporting responded before the break as Viktor Gyökeres converted a penalty in the 43rd minute following a VAR review. The opening half was marked by quick transitions, excellent goalkeeping, and accurate refereeing decisions by João Pedro Pinheiro.
With possession evenly split and few clear-cut chances beyond the goals, this clash proves why it’s one of the most thrilling encounters in Portuguese football. The second half promises even more drama and pivotal moments as the Taça da Liga trophy hangs in the balance.
a balanced start to the game
From the kickoff, Sporting and Benfica displayed attacking intent, alternating moments of possession and high pressing. Playing at home, Sporting exploited the flanks with Maximiliano Araújo and Francisco Trincão, while Benfica relied on Ángel Di María’s creativity to craft dangerous opportunities.
The first major chance came in the 14th minute when Geovany Quenda forced a save from goalkeeper Trubin. Benfica replied with a counterattack in the 16th minute, but Di María’s shot lacked accuracy. These exchanges highlighted the tight contest between the two sides in the first half.
⏸ Tudo empatado em Leiria.
— Sporting CP (@SportingCP) January 11, 2025
⚽ Gyökeres
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schjelderup opens the scoring for benfica
Benfica broke the deadlock in the 29th minute with a composed finish by Andreas Schjelderup. The move began with a precise pass from Ángel Di María, who found the young forward in the box. Schjelderup calmly slotted the ball past Franco Israel to give Benfica the lead. This was Schjelderup’s eighth goal of the season, cementing his status as one of the team’s standout players.
Sporting reacted strongly after conceding. Maximiliano Araújo came close with a long-range effort in the 36th minute, but the shot sailed over the bar. Manager Ruben Amorim adjusted his tactics, reinforcing the attack to increase pressure on Benfica’s defense.
gyökeres levels the score after var-confirmed penalty
Sporting equalized just before halftime. In the 40th minute, a cross from Trincão resulted in a handball inside Benfica’s box. Referee João Pedro Pinheiro initially waved play on but was called to the VAR monitor to review the incident. After careful analysis, the penalty was awarded, sparking protests from Benfica players.
Viktor Gyökeres, Sporting’s top scorer this season, stepped up to take the penalty. With confidence, the Swedish striker buried the ball into the bottom right corner, leaving Trubin with no chance. Gyökeres’ goal, his 12th of the season, underlined his importance to Sporting’s attack.
first-half statistics
- Possession: Sporting 52%, Benfica 48%
- Shots: Sporting 7, Benfica 6
- Corners: Sporting 5, Benfica 4
- Fouls committed: Sporting 8, Benfica 7
- Yellow cards: 1 for Maximiliano Araújo (Sporting)
These numbers reflect the balance of the game, with Sporting slightly ahead in possession and attempts on goal. Benfica, on the other hand, excelled in counterattacks and set-pieces.
historical context of the rivalry
Sporting and Benfica represent one of the fiercest rivalries in global football. This marks the 65th meeting between the sides in the Taça da Liga, with Benfica historically holding a slight edge in victories. However, Sporting has dominated recent encounters, including a 1-0 win in their last Liga Portugal clash in December 2024.
The Taça da Liga has been the stage for many memorable battles between these clubs. Past finals have seen dramatic comebacks and controversial moments, such as Sporting’s last-minute winner in 2019. This rich history adds extra tension to this year’s final.
key moments of the first half
- Schjelderup’s goal (29′): The young forward coolly finished after a pinpoint pass from Di María.
- VAR intervention (40′): A reviewed handball decision awarded Sporting a penalty.
- Gyökeres’ penalty goal (43′): The striker calmly converted to level the match.
These pivotal moments set the tone for the first half, with both teams striving for control.
second-half expectations
The halftime scoreline keeps the Taça da Liga trophy within reach for both sides. Sporting, backed by their home crowd, will look to dominate possession and capitalize on any defensive lapses by Benfica. Meanwhile, Benfica is likely to rely on their individual talents, such as Di María, to launch swift counterattacks.
Managers Ruben Amorim and Roger Schmidt have game-changing options on their benches. Tactical substitutions could prove decisive in determining the winner of this classic encounter.
curiosities about the matchup
- Prolific scorers: Both Schjelderup and Gyökeres have scored over 10 goals this season.
- Recent record: Sporting has won three of their last five meetings with Benfica.
- Managers in focus: Ruben Amorim and Roger Schmidt were named Liga Portugal’s best coaches in 2024.
