Sporting CP face Vitoria Guimaraes in this Portugal League Cup semi-final, with the Lions holding strong historical dominance and seeking a final berth. Vitoria aim to pull off another upset after knocking out Porto.
The match kicks off at 20:00 GMT+0 on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa in Leiria, Portugal, a neutral venue with 23,888 capacity. Luis Miguel Branco Godinho referees this Portugal League Cup semi-final single-leg tie. Stakes run high as both chase the trophy.
Betting Tips and Match Insights
Sporting CP boast overwhelming superiority in recent meetings, and this Sporting CP vs Vitoria Guimaraes prediction today expects the Lions to control possession and create superior chances. Vitoria show resilience but struggle historically against top sides in knockouts. Cup form favors Sporting’s depth despite injuries. Head-to-head trends heavily lean one way. Neutral venue levels slightly, yet quality gap persists.
Sporting CP Results
Sporting CP maintain excellent form overall, dropping rare points while scoring prolifically in wins. They eased through the quarter-final convincingly. Rui Borges manages a potent attack.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | Outcome |
| 02.01.2026 | LP | Gil Vicente vs Sporting CP | 1-1 | D |
| 28.12.2025 | LP | Sporting CP vs Rio Ave | 4-0 | W |
| 23.12.2025 | LP | Vitoria Guimaraes vs Sporting CP | 1-4 | W |
| 18.12.2025 | TP | Santa Clara vs Sporting CP | 2-3 | W |
| 13.12.2025 | LP | Sporting CP vs AVS | 6-0 | W |
Draws interrupt long winning streaks rarely. Goals flow freely in victories. Defensive solidity returns quickly after slips. Cup progress comfortable. Momentum carries despite league blip.
Vitoria Guimaraes Results
Vitoria Guimaraes mix wins with losses, showing upset potential but inconsistency against elites. They stunned Porto earlier. Luis Pinto rebuilds confidence.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | Outcome |
| 02.01.2026 | LP | Vitoria Guimaraes vs Nacional | 2-1 | W |
| 28.12.2025 | LP | Casa Pia vs Vitoria Guimaraes | 0-0 | D |
| 23.12.2025 | LP | Vitoria Guimaraes vs Sporting CP | 1-4 | L |
| 17.12.2025 | TP | Vitoria Guimaraes vs AVS | 0-1 | L |
| 13.12.2025 | LP | Rio Ave vs Vitoria Guimaraes | 0-1 | W |
Narrow wins highlight grit. Heavy defeats expose gaps. Draws away provide points. Cup upset boosts morale. Form stabilizes lately.
Head-to-Head: Sporting CP vs Vitoria Guimaraes
Sporting CP dominate recent clashes, winning most with comfortable margins. Vitoria struggle for victories. Goals vary but favor Lions.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result |
| 23.12.2025 | LP | Vitoria Guimaraes vs Sporting CP | 1-4 |
| 17.05.2025 | LP | Sporting CP vs Vitoria Guimaraes | 2-0 |
| 03.01.2025 | LP | Vitoria Guimaraes vs Sporting CP | 4-4 |
| 21.04.2024 | LP | Sporting CP vs Vitoria Guimaraes | 3-0 |
| 09.12.2023 | LP | Vitoria Guimaraes vs Sporting CP | 3-2 |
Sporting claim decisive results often. Draws feature high scoring occasionally. Trend favors clear winners.
Predicted Starting Lineups
Coaches finalize selections close to kick-off, but these projected lineups incorporate recent team news, injury updates, and consistent starters for this Portugal League Cup semi-final. Both sides face absences, forcing adjustments to usual setups.
Sporting CP
Silva (GK), Vagiannidis (DF), Quaresma (DF), Inacio (DF), Trincao (MF), Hjulmand (MF), Simoes (MF), Araujo (MF), Ioannidis (FW), Suarez (FW), Quenda (FW).

Vitoria Guimaraes
Castillo (GK), Maga (DF), Balieiro (DF), Abascal (DF), Mendes (DF), Nogueira (MF), Mitrovic (MF), Camara (MF), Samu (MF), Saviolo (FW), Ndoye (FW)

Injured and Questionable Players
Injuries hit Sporting harder, depleting midfield and attack options, while Vitoria manage with fewer concerns. Depth tests both squads in this knockout tie.
| Team | Player | Reason |
| Sporting CP | Geny Catamo | International duty (AFCON) |
| Sporting CP | Ousmane Diomande | International duty (AFCON) |
| Sporting CP | Salvador Blopa | Injury |
| Sporting CP | Ricardo Mangas | Injury |
| Sporting CP | Geovany Quenda | Injury |
| Sporting CP | Pedro Goncalves | Injury |
| Sporting CP | Nuno Santos | Injury |
| Sporting CP | Goncalo Inacio | Suspension |
| Vitoria Guimaraes | Gustavo Sa | Muscle Injury |
| Vitoria Guimaraes | Oscar Rivas | Muscle Injury |
Key Factors to Watch
Semi-final pressure amplifies quality differences, with injuries impacting depth. Neutral ground reduces home edges. Tactical execution decides progression.
- Sporting miss several key players including Pedro Goncalves, Nuno Santos, and Goncalo Inacio (suspended);
- Vitoria without Gustavo Sa and Oscar Rivas due to muscle injuries;
- Sporting won nine of last twelve against Vitoria;
- Vitoria never reached League Cup final historically;
- Recent league meeting saw Sporting dominate 4-1 away;
- Luis Suarez in rich vein for Sporting with seven recent goals;
- Neutral Leiria venue hosts for fairness;
- Both motivated for rare cup success;
- No scandals disrupt focus.
Free Tips on Sporting CP vs Vitoria Guimaraes
Historical data and recent encounters underline Sporting CP’s clear edge in this Portugal League Cup semi-final on neutral ground. The Lions consistently outperform Vitoria in direct matchups, often with multiple goals. These tips distill key statistical insights to identify the most solid opportunities.
- Sporting CP won nine of the last twelve meetings against Vitoria Guimaraes across all competitions, supporting strong backing for the favorites even on neutral turf;
- The last five head-to-heads averaged over three goals per game, with Sporting scoring at least twice in four, highlighting potential for over 2.5 totals or Sporting team goals;
- Sporting kept clean sheets in three of their last five victories over Vitoria, increasing chances of Vitoria failing to score alongside a Lions win;
- Vitoria Guimaraes scored in only two of their last five trips facing Sporting, yet conceded multiple times in defeats, pointing toward Sporting multi-goal margins;
- Four of the previous five clashes saw Sporting lead at halftime in wins, offering value in half-time result markets favoring the dominant side.
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Sporting CP vs Vitoria Guimaraes Prediction 2026
Sporting CP’s superior squad depth, historical knockout dominance, and attacking options outweigh Vitoria’s upset potential, pointing toward a Lions victory in normal time. Despite absences, Borges fields competitive talent to exploit spaces, while Vitoria’s road struggles and poor record in this fixture limit threats. Expect Sporting control leading to multi-goal margin. Sporting CP vs Vitoria Guimaraes odds favor the Lions heavily, reflecting quality gap in semi-final context.
This neutral semi-final tests Vitoria’s giant-killing form against Sporting’s pedigree, yet trends and talent suggest clear progression for the favorites. Metrics support over goals potential given Sporting’s scoring run, balanced by cup caution.
Our Prediction: Sporting CP 2-1 Vitoria Guimaraes
| Prediction Type | Prediction | Odds |
| Match Result | Sporting CP Win | 1.38 |
| Both Teams to Score | Yes | 1.95 |
| Total Goals | Over 2.5 | 1.57 |
From us at BC.Game, seize prime markets on this Portugal League Cup semi-final. Bet on match – Sporting CP vs Vitoria Guimaraes you can make at bc.game.