The curtain rises on the 2025/26 Portuguese football season, and what better way to open the drama than with Lisbon’s eternal duel: Sporting (the lions) vs Benfica (the eagles).Both sides come into this clash with nine Supertaças each—this match will determine who takes temporary supremacy in the capital’s silverware saga.

SPORTING - KINGS OF THE DOUBLE

Fresh from a season that will echo through Alvalade folklore, Sporting clinched the Primeira Liga title for the first time since the early 1950s. Goals from Pedro Gonçalves and Viktor Gyökeres sealed the title against Vitória de Guimarães—and as if that weren't enough, they followed it up by beating Benfica in the Taça de Portugal final, completing a historic “dobradinha.” But all is not tranquil in the lion’s den. Gyökeres, the talisman and top scorer, has departed to Arsenal for a record fee, leaving behind a chasm of 97 goals in 102 appearances. Coach Rui Borges has responded by ditching the back three in favour of a classic back four. Watch for the disciplinary status of Dubato, whose participation is in question.

BENFICA-PRESSURE, PRIDE AND PAYBACK

Benfica, last year’s league runners-up and losing cup finalists, are itching for redemption. Coach Bruno Lage remains under scrutiny following a season that promised much but delivered little.

They’ll face Sporting with a depleted squad: Ángel Di María, Orkun Kökçü, and Bruma are out (the latter through serious injury), while Alexander Bah and Manu Silva remain doubtful.

Despite the adversity, Benfica’s travelling support has spoken—ticket sales sold out in hours on their end, while some Sporting sections still have spots open. The match returns to the Algarve, home of Euro 2004 memories and the fifth time this venue hosts the Supertaça. Expect a fierce, feverish crowd as one more chapter is written in Portugal’s most passionate rivalry.

This isn’t just about a trophy—this is about bragging rights, city dominance, and unfinished business after a controversial Taça final that still fuels debate.

STATISTICAL ENCHANTMENTS & HISTORICAL FOOTNOTES

• In 2025, Sporting lost just one official home match in 90 minutes: a 0–3 defeat to Dortmund.
• They’ve won 6 and drawn 1 of their last 7 home fixtures.
• In 7 of their last 8 home matches, Sporting scored 2+ goals.
• Benfica has not lost any away matches since January 29th, 2025.
• Benfica has scored in every away match this year—except one: against Sporting on December 29th, 2024.
• In the last 7 Sporting home derbies, the Lions have scored in 6.
• Of the last 10 head-to-heads, both teams have scored in 9.
• Benfica have not won in 90 minutes in any of the last 7 meetings between these two sides.

PROGNOSTICS BY MASTER ALGOR RITHM

Both Teams to Score – YES Sporting or Draw + Over 1.5 Goals Sporting to Win the Trophy (regardless of 90 minutes or extra time)

"In derbies, the form book may tremble—but data never lies." — Master Algor Rithm, Oracle of Over 1.5, and Seer of Supremacy Stakes