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Benfica secured their place in the Taça de Portugal final in men’s handball with a hard-fought victory over Águas Santas, setting up a highly anticipated Lisbon derby against Sporting CP. The win came in the semifinal clash held at the Pavilhão Fidelidade in Lisbon on April 20, 2024, where Benfica edged out their opponents 28-26 in a tightly contested match that went down to the wire.
The victory marks Benfica’s return to the final of Portugal’s premier domestic handball cup competition after a one-year absence. Last season, they fell short in the semifinals, making this year’s triumph particularly significant for the Eagles as they aim to add silverware to their trophy cabinet.
Águas Santas, who had impressed throughout the tournament with disciplined defensive play and quick transitions, pushed Benfica to their limits. The team from Vila Nova de Famalicão had eliminated higher-ranked sides earlier in the competition, but ultimately couldn’t sustain their momentum against the more experienced Benfica squad in front of a passionate home crowd.
Benfica’s win was built on solid goalkeeping and clinical finishing in the second half. After trailing by two goals at halftime, the Eagles intensified their defensive pressure and began converting counterattacks efficiently. Left back Miguel Martins was instrumental, scoring seven goals and providing several key assists, while goalkeeper João Paulo Resende made crucial saves in the final minutes to preserve the lead.
On the other side, Águas Santas’ top scorer Hugo Monteiro kept his team in contention with six goals, but struggled to find space against Benfica’s increasingly compact defensive shape as the match progressed. Despite their efforts, the visitors couldn’t overcome the deficit in the closing stages.
The result sets up a final showdown between Benfica and Sporting CP, renewing one of the most intense rivalries in Portuguese handball. Sporting had earlier secured their spot in the final by defeating FC Porto in the other semifinal, continuing their recent dominance in the competition. This will be Sporting’s fifth consecutive appearance in the Taça de Portugal final, a testament to their consistency at the highest level of domestic handball.
The Lisbon derby final is scheduled for May 4, 2024, at the same venue, the Pavilhão Fidelidade. Throw-in is set for 16:00 local time (15:00 UTC), promising a vibrant atmosphere as both sets of fans gaze forward to bragging rights in the capital. The match will be broadcast live on RTP2 and Sport TV, ensuring wide coverage across Portugal and beyond.
For Benfica, reaching the final represents a step toward restoring their historical supremacy in Portuguese handball. The Eagles have won the Taça de Portugal 21 times in their history, more than any other club, but haven’t lifted the trophy since 2022. A victory over Sporting would not only end their drought but also deny their rivals a historic sixth straight final win.
Sporting, under the guidance of coach Ricardo Costa, have been the team to beat in recent years, having won the last four editions of the Taça de Portugal. Costa praised his squad’s resilience after the semifinal win over Porto, emphasizing the collective effort that has defined their season. “We’ve faced challenges all year, but this group keeps finding ways to win when it matters,” he said in post-match comments.
The tactical battle between the two Lisbon giants promises to be fascinating. Benfica typically employs a high-tempo, wing-oriented attack with quick pivots, while Sporting favors a more structured, patient buildup led by their experienced backcourt. Key individual matchups will include Benfica’s explosive right wing Rodrigo Alves against Sporting’s disciplined left defender Luís Frade, and the duel between the two teams’ central playmakers.
Injury concerns ahead of the final appear minimal for both sides. Benfica reported no new issues following the Águas Santas match, with all expected starters available. Sporting also confirmed full fitness for their squad after the Porto semifinal, although veteran pivot André Gomes is being monitored for a minor ankle tweak sustained in that game — though he is expected to feature.
The winner of the final will not only claim the Taça de Portugal trophy but also gain automatic qualification for next season’s EHF European Cup, adding extra significance to the outcome. For both clubs, success in domestic cup competitions remains a key benchmark as they prepare for the climax of the Liga Portuguesa season and European campaigns.
As Lisbon prepares for another chapter in its storied handball rivalry, fans can expect a fiercely contested match defined by intensity, skill, and local pride. With both teams evenly matched and motivated, the final promises to deliver the drama and quality that has become synonymous with this fixture.
The Taça de Portugal final will take place on May 4, 2024, at 16:00 local time (15:00 UTC) at the Pavilhão Fidelidade in Lisbon. Fans can follow live updates via the official Portuguese Handball Federation website and social media channels.
What do you feel will decide the derby? Share your predictions in the comments below and spread the word among fellow handball fans.
