The Portuguese football season kicks off with a blockbuster clash as Sporting CP takes on bitter rivals Benfica in the Super Cup, a match that’s sure to set pulses racing. This isn’t just a game, it’s a Lisbon showdown with bragging rights and early silverware on the line.
Set for 19:45 GMT+0 on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at the Estádio Algarve in Faro/Loulé, this Portuguese Super Cup final pits last season’s league and cup double winners, Sporting, against a Benfica side hungry to reclaim dominance. No referee details are confirmed yet, but the 30,305-capacity stadium will be electric as these giants battle for the first trophy of the domestic campaign.
Betting Tips and Match Insights
Get ready for a deep dive into what makes this Sporting CP vs Benfica prediction today a must-read. We’ll unpack the recent form of both teams, their head-to-head battles, and the key factors that could tip the scales. Sporting’s recent dominance over Benfica adds spice, but the Eagles’ busy summer suggests they’re not here to roll over. These insights will help you see the bigger picture before placing your bets. Let’s break down the numbers and trends to set the stage.
Sporting CP Results
Sporting CP, known as the Lions, have been a force, clinching a league and cup double last season under Rui Borges. Their recent form shows resilience, even with the loss of star striker Viktor Gyokeres to Arsenal. Let’s look at their last five matches to gauge their momentum.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | Outcome |
| 25/07/25 | CF | Sporting CP vs Villarreal | 1-0 | W |
| 21/07/25 | CF | Sporting CP vs Sunderland | 1-0 | W |
| 16/07/25 | CF | Sporting CP vs Celtic | 0-2 | L |
| 25/05/25 | TP | Benfica vs Sporting CP | 1-3 | W |
| 17/05/25 | LP | Sporting CP vs Vitoria Guimaraes | 2-0 | W |
Sporting’s form is solid, with four wins in their last five, including a thrilling 3-1 comeback against Benfica in the Taca de Portugal final. Their home strength shines, with clean sheets against Villarreal, Sunderland, and Guimaraes. The Celtic loss in a friendly highlights vulnerability against high-pressing sides, which Benfica might exploit. Without Gyokeres, Francisco Trincao will need to step up, but their defensive solidity remains a cornerstone. This mix of grit and attacking intent makes them a tough nut to crack.
Benfica Results
Benfica, the Eagles, have had a whirlwind summer, competing in the Club World Cup and bolstering their squad with new signings. Their preseason has been shorter, but a win over Fenerbahce shows they’re sharpening up. Here’s a snapshot of their last five matches.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | Outcome |
| 26/07/25 | CF | Benfica vs Fenerbahce | 3-2 | W |
| 28/06/25 | CWC | Benfica vs Chelsea | 1-4 | L |
| 24/06/25 | CWC | Benfica vs Bayern Munich | 1-0 | W |
| 20/06/25 | CWC | Benfica vs Auckland City | 6-0 | W |
| 17/06/25 | CWC | Boca Juniors vs Benfica | 2-2 | D |
Benfica’s results show flair, with three wins and a draw in their last five, though the Chelsea loss exposed defensive frailties. Their 6-0 thrashing of Auckland City highlights their attacking depth, led by new signings like Evangelos Pavlidis. The Fenerbahce win suggests they’re gelling, but injuries to defenders Alexander Bah and Tomas Araujo could hurt. Their ability to score in bunches is clear, yet consistency against top sides remains a question. This sets up an intriguing clash with Sporting.
Sporting CP vs Benfica Head-to-Head Results
Rivalries don’t get much fiercer than Sporting CP vs Benfica, with recent encounters packed with drama. The Lions have had the upper hand lately, but these matches are always tight. Here’s how their last five meetings played out.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result |
| 25/05/25 | TP | Benfica vs Sporting CP | 1-3 |
| 10/05/25 | LP | Benfica vs Sporting CP | 1-1 |
| 11/01/25 | CUP | Sporting CP vs Benfica | 1-2 |
| 29/12/24 | LP | Sporting CP vs Benfica | 1-0 |
| 06/04/24 | LP | Sporting CP vs Benfica | 2-1 |
Sporting’s edge is clear, winning three of the last five, including a statement 3-1 in the Taca de Portugal final. Benfica’s sole victory came in a tight cup match, and the draw shows how close these battles can be. This history suggests Sporting’s confidence, but Benfica’s knack for nicking results keeps them dangerous.
Predicted Starting Lineups for Sporting CP vs Benfica
Get ready for the Portuguese Super Cup clash on July 31, 2025, as Sporting CP and Benfica roll out their starting elevens in a battle for early silverware. Below, we lay out the predicted lineups for both sides, giving you a clear picture of who’s likely to take the pitch at Estádio Algarve. These selections reflect recent form, injuries, and tactical tweaks, setting the stage for a fiery Lisbon derby.
Sporting CP Predicted Lineup
Sporting CP is expected to field a strong side despite the loss of key players, with Rui Borges leaning on defensive solidity and attacking flair.
Silva (GK), Quaresma (DF), St. Juste (DF), Inacio (DF), Catamo (MF), Debast (MF), Morita (MF), Araujo (MF), Trincao (FW), Harder (FW), Goncalves (FW)
Benfica Predicted Lineup
Benfica’s Bruno Lage is set, blending new signings with seasoned stars to challenge Sporting’s dominance.
Trubin (GK), Aursnes (DF), Silva (DF), Otamendi (DF), Dahl (DF), Florentino (MF), Barreiro (MF), Akturkoglu (AM), Prestianni (AM), Schjelderup (AM), Pavlidis (FW)
Injured and Questionable Players
Both Sporting CP and Benfica head into this Super Cup showdown with key absences that could shape their strategies. The table below lists players unavailable due to injuries or other reasons, ensuring you know who’s sidelined for this crucial match. These absences, distinct from the predicted lineups, highlight the challenges each team faces.
| Team | Player | Reason |
| Sporting CP | Daniel Braganca | Knee Injury |
| Sporting CP | Joao Simoes | Foot Injury |
| Benfica | Alexander Bah | Knee Injury |
| Benfica | Bruma | Injury |
Key Factors to Watch
As we gear up for this Sporting CP vs Benfica match prediction, several elements could decide the outcome. Both teams have strengths and weaknesses that will come under the spotlight. Here are the critical points to keep an eye on:
- Sporting’s Goalscoring Without Gyokeres: With their talisman at Arsenal, Francisco Trincao must fill the void, a tall order against Benfica’s backline;
- Benfica’s New Signings: Amar Dedic, Samuel Dahl, and Evangelos Pavlidis add fresh legs, but their integration could be shaky in this high-stakes opener;
- Sporting’s Defensive Rock: Goncalo Inacio and Diomande have been immense, likely key in stifling Benfica’s attack;
- Benfica’s Injury Woes: Missing defenders Alexander Bah and Tomas Araujo weakens their backline, especially against Sporting’s pacey wingers;
- Sporting’s Unbeaten Streak vs Benfica: Seven games without a loss in this fixture gives them a mental edge;
- Benfica’s Club World Cup Experience: Their summer exploits show they can compete with elite sides, boosting confidence;
- Sporting’s Recent Form: Four wins in five matches signal momentum, though the Celtic loss raises questions about their adaptability;
- Benfica’s Attacking Depth: Pavlidis and Schjelderup are in form, capable of punishing any defensive lapses.
Free Tips on Sporting CP vs Benfica
As Sporting CP and Benfica lock horns in the Portuguese Super Cup on July 31, 2025, a few smart insights can sharpen your betting edge. This section breaks down five practical tips, drawn from team stats and past clashes, to help you navigate this Lisbon derby. Let’s dive into what could sway this high-stakes showdown.
- Check Home and Away Splits: Sporting’s fortress-like form at home, with wins like 2-0 over Guimaraes, contrasts with Benfica’s mixed away record, like their 2-2 draw against Boca Juniors; factor this into your predictions.
- Mind the Referee’s Whistle: The ref’s tendency to flash cards could matter, especially in a fiery rivalry where tackles fly; Sporting’s disciplined play might fare better than Benfica’s aggressive style.
- Weigh the Fixture Schedule: Benfica’s packed summer, including the Club World Cup, might leave them fatigued compared to Sporting, who’ve had a steadier preseason with just one friendly loss.
- Factor in Pitch and Weather: Estádio Algarve’s natural grass could get slick if rain hits, favoring Benfica’s quick counters over Sporting’s possession game; check the forecast closer to kickoff.
- Look at League Context: Sporting’s double last season gives them confidence, but Benfica’s hunger to disrupt their rivals’ reign could spark a fiercer performance.
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Sporting CP vs Benfica Prediction 2025
For this Sporting CP vs Benfica prediction 2025, I’m leaning toward a narrow Benfica victory, 2-1. Sporting’s loss of Gyokeres is a massive blow, as their attack now hinges on Trincao, who’s talented but unproven as a focal point. Benfica’s new signings, like Pavlidis, bring firepower, and their Club World Cup run proves they can handle big moments. Sporting’s defense, led by Inacio, is stout, but Benfica’s pace on the flanks, with Schjelderup and Akturkoglu, could exploit gaps, especially with Araujo and Bah absent. The Sporting CP vs Benfica odds might favor the Lions given their recent head-to-head dominance, but Benfica’s depth and hunger to reclaim supremacy tip the scales. Sporting’s unbeaten run against Benfica adds pressure, yet the Eagles’ attacking options look sharper. Both teams are likely to score, given their offensive talent, but Benfica’s slight edge in squad freshness and attacking variety should see them nick it. This feels like a statement win for Bruno Lage’s side to kick off their campaign.
Our Prediction: Sporting CP 1-2 Benfica
| Prediction Type | Prediction | Odds |
| Match Result | Benfica Win | 2.45 |
| Both Teams to Score | Yes | 1.66 |
| Total Goals | Over 2.5 | 1.82 |
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