In an absolutely electrifying game, Sporting was the first to show a sign of danger, through Hjulmand. However, Benfica balanced and had two clear opportunities to score. Tengstedt shot against the post and Di María saw Franco Israel avoid the goal with a great save.
The second half got off to a crazy start. Just two minutes in, Gyokeres takes the ball and at the edge of the area he finds Hjulmand who, with an arching shot, scores a great goal, with no chance for Trubin.
After just over five minutes, Neres worked well on the right side and crossed. Otamendi escaped Gyokeres’s marking and headed in the equalizer. Two minutes later, Catamo crossed, Trubin saved forward and Paulinho took advantage of the offer to make it 2-1.
Benfica felt the goal but responded again with the equalizer, through Rafa. A galvanizing goal that led the Reds to put pressure on Sporting. Franco Israel was decisive in securing the draw with a great save from Di María’s shot.
Sporting also came close to a third goal, with Paulinho providing Trubin with a great save. Until the end of the match, the home team tried to reach the goal that would tie the tie but the Lions defended the advantage brought by Alvalade.
With a 4-3 result in the tie, Sporting is the first finalist in the Portuguese Cup and is now waiting for FC Porto or Vitória de Guimarães. Rúben Amorim will make his debut as a coach in a final of the premier competition.
Tags: Sporting Portuguese Cup semifinals live
