Sporting CP Dominates Benfica in Futsal Final, One Win Away From Historic “Penta”
Table of Contents
- Sporting CP Dominates Benfica in Futsal Final, One Win Away From Historic “Penta”
Sporting CP delivered a decisive 5-1 victory against Benfica on Sunday, June 22, 2025, at the Pavilhão João Rocha, seizing a 2-1 lead in the Liga Placard Futsal final series [[3]]. The “Lions” are now just one win away from securing an unprecedented fifth consecutive national futsal championship.
The match was a showcase of Sporting’s offensive power,with goals coming early and often. Alex Merlin set the tone with a goal just 28 seconds into the game. Wesley Reinaldo quickly followed, doubling the lead. Taynan added another before halftime, making it 3-0. Zicky Té scored shortly after the break, and Merlin completed the rout with his second goal. Benfica managed a late consolation goal by Chishkala, but the match belonged to Sporting.
Key Moments in Sporting’s Decisive Victory
Sporting’s dominant performance was marked by several key moments:
- Lightning-Fast Start: Alex Merlin’s goal within the first 30 seconds set the tone for Sporting’s aggressive play.
- Relentless Offense: Sporting maintained constant pressure, resulting in five goals and several near misses.
- Disciplined Defense: While benfica struggled to find openings, Sporting’s defense held firm for most of the match.
Did You Know? Futsal,derived from the Portuguese “futebol de salão” (indoor football),is played with a smaller,heavier ball than soccer,emphasizing skill and close control.
Match Summary: Sporting CP vs. Benfica (June 22, 2025)
| Team | Goals | Key Players |
|---|---|---|
| Sporting CP | 5 | Alex Merlin, Wesley Reinaldo, Taynan, Zicky Té |
| Benfica | 1 | Chishkala |
Road to the Championship: What’s Next?
The fourth game of the final series is scheduled for Wednesday at 8 pm at Benfica’s home venue. A victory for Sporting CP would clinch the championship. However,if Benfica wins,a decisive fifth game will be played at Sporting CP’s home on Sunday,June 29 [[1]].
The series has been closely contested, with Sporting and Benfica splitting the first two games. Sporting’s dominant performance in game three has shifted the momentum in their favor, but Benfica will be looking to bounce back on their home court [[2]].
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on Alex Merlin; his agility and precision shooting have been instrumental in Sporting’s success.
Controversy on the Sidelines
The match wasn’t without its drama. Benfica’s coordinator, Raúl Moreira, was ejected from the bench after protesting a call where he felt Tomás Paçó should have been penalized. Additionally, a goal by Merlin was disallowed after video review showed a handball by Diogo Santos.
These incidents added to the intensity of the already heated rivalry between the two Lisbon clubs.
Can Benfica Recover?
Benfica faces a tough challenge as they head home for game four. Can they regroup and force a game five, or will Sporting secure the title on Wednesday?
Will Sporting Secure the “Penta”?
Sporting is on the verge of history. Will they capitalize on their momentum and claim their fifth consecutive championship?
The Rise of Futsal in Portugal
Futsal has experienced critically important growth in popularity in Portugal over the past decade. The Liga Placard Futsal is now one of the most competitive leagues in europe, attracting top talent from around the world. The Portuguese national futsal team is also a force to be reckoned with, consistently ranking among the top teams in international competitions. This surge in popularity can be attributed to increased investment in youth development programs, improved facilities, and greater media coverage.
The sport’s fast-paced action and emphasis on technical skill have made it a favourite among fans. Many of Portugal’s top soccer players, including Cristiano Ronaldo, honed their skills playing futsal in their youth.
Frequently Asked Questions About Liga Placard Futsal
- What is Liga Placard Futsal?
- Liga Placard Futsal is the premier professional futsal league in portugal, featuring the country’s top clubs.
- How many teams compete in Liga Placard Futsal?
- The league typically consists of 14 teams, competing in a round-robin format followed by playoffs.
- who are the dominant teams in Liga Placard Futsal?
- sporting CP and Benfica are historically the most prosperous and dominant teams in the league.
- When does the liga Placard Futsal season typically run?
- The season usually starts in September and concludes in June with the championship playoffs.
- Where can I watch Liga Placard Futsal matches?
- Matches are often broadcast on Portuguese television channels and streamed online thru various sports platforms.
- Why is futsal so popular in Portugal?
- Futsal’s fast-paced action,emphasis on skill,and accessibility have contributed to its widespread popularity in Portugal.
- How does Liga Placard futsal contribute to the national team?
- The league serves as a crucial development ground for players who go on to represent the Portuguese national futsal team.
Share your predictions for the final series in the comments below! Will sporting secure the “Penta,” or can Benfica mount a comeback?