Cup of Portugal 2024/2025, all matches

The Portuguese Cup, also known as the Taça de Portugal, is one of the oldest and most prestigious tournaments in the country, held under the auspices of the Portuguese Football Federation. The tournament was founded in 1938 and has since become an integral part of the Portuguese football calendar. This cup tournament brings together clubs of all levels, from the elite teams of the Primeira Liga to teams from the lower divisions and even amateur teams.

The Portuguese Cup format is a traditional straight-elimination system. The early stages are attended by clubs from the lower divisions, with the representatives of the Primeira Liga joining in the later stages. The matches are played until one winner, and in the event of a draw after regulation time, extra time and, if necessary, a penalty shootout are appointed. The final of the tournament is traditionally held at the famous Estadio Jamor in Lisbon, which gives the tournament a special atmosphere.

The Portuguese Cup is known for its unpredictability and regular surprises, with lesser-known clubs knocking out the favourites. One of the most famous cases was the 2012/2013 final, when Vitoria Guimarães, a club not considered to be a giant of Portuguese football, beat Benfica 2-1 to win the Cup for the first time in their history.

The most successful clubs in the history of the Portuguese Cup are Benfica and Porto, who have dominated the Portuguese football scene for decades. Benfica holds the record for the most victories in the competition, having lifted the trophy 26 times, while Porto has lifted the Cup 18 times. The two clubs often meet in the final stages of the tournament, making the finals true classics of Portuguese football.

The clubs’ path to the final is no less interesting, with teams like Sporting, Braga and Boavista also contributing to the tournament’s rich history, each time seeking to add to their trophy collection. For example, in 2021, Braga defeated Benfica in the final, showing that even the big boys are not immune to defeat.

The Portuguese Cup is also important for the clubs, as the winner of the tournament gets a place in the Europa League, making it not only prestigious but also strategically important in terms of European ambitions.