As well as Benfica, Braga and Famalicão back Sporting in the Cup | OneFootball

The final of the Portuguese Cup between Sporting and Torreense will not only affect who lifts the trophy at Jamor. The outcome of the match could bring significant changes to the structure of next season’s European competitions, which is why several Portuguese clubs will be keeping a close eye on what happens in Oeiras.

In that sense, Benfica, Braga and Famalicão end up sharing an interest in a Sporting victory. If Sporting win the Portuguese Cup, Benfica will secure direct entry into the Europa League, while Braga will book a place in the competition’s second qualifying round. Famalicão would also benefit from that scenario, sealing qualification for the second qualifying round of the Conference League.

The picture changes completely if Torreense pull off a surprise and lift the trophy. In that case, the Segunda Liga side would secure direct entry into the Europa League league phase, pushing Benfica into the competition’s second qualifying round and dropping Braga into the Conference League. Famalicão, meanwhile, would miss out on European competition next season.

Beyond the domestic permutations, Sporting will also be watching closely what happens in England, because of the implications for qualification to the next edition of the Champions League. The Lions are following with particular interest the matches involving Liverpool, Brentford, Aston Villa and Manchester City, in a combination of results that could directly influence Rui Borges’ side’s European future.

To secure direct entry into the league phase of Europe’s elite competition, Sporting need to avoid the scenario in which Liverpool beat Brentford and Aston Villa lose to Manchester City.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.