Epic Torreense!: beat Sporting CP in Taça, into Europa League… in tier two | OneFootball

Portuguese football produced one of those stories that seem impossible. Torreense, a team playing in the Second Division, defeated Sporting CP 2-1 in extra time and were crowned Taça de Portugal champions for the first time in their history. And as if that were not enough, the Torres Vedras side secured qualification for next season’s Europa League while still fighting for promotion to the Primeira Liga.

Just four minutes had been played when Spaniard Javi Vázquez delivered a precise corner and Kévin Zohi took advantage of a defensive lapse to open the scoring. It was an unexpected blow for Sporting, who came in as overwhelming favorites as the stronger of the two finalists. They were also the defending champions, having beaten Benfica in last year’s final.

Tralhao’s team held on as best they could throughout the first half. Sporting attacked constantly, piled up shots, and pinned their rival back, but they ran into a monumental performance from Luca Paes. The goalkeeper preserved the lead with several decisive saves and was especially frustrating for Luis Suárez, who had a very clear chance before the break.

The Lions’ pressure finally paid off in the second half. In the 54th minute, Luis Díaz took advantage of a move created by Maxi Araújo and finished with class to make it 1-1. It seemed only a matter of time before Sporting turned the game around, especially after a Geny Catamo goal was disallowed for offside. However, Torreense managed to take the match into extra time.

In extra time came the moment that will be forever etched in the club’s memory. With seven minutes left, a counterattack ended in a penalty for Torreense after Maxi Araújo pulled down Seydi, a play that also resulted in a red card. Stopira stepped up and blasted a powerful shot straight down the middle past Rui Silva to seal the 2-1 win, which ultimately secured the title and European competition next season.

Torreense finished third in the Portuguese second division. For that reason, they are playing the promotion playoff against Casa Pia. The first leg, played on Wednesday, May 20, ended 0-0, and now the return leg will be this Thursday the 28th at the Estádio Municipal de Rio Maior. If Torreense win, they will play in the 2026/2027 Primeira Liga.

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