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Torreense supporters were vastly outnumbered at Jamor, but they were the ones celebrating as the final whistle confirmed their astonishing Portuguese Cup victory over defending champions Sporting.

In one of the biggest shocks in recent Cup history, the second-division side from Torres Vedras defeated Sporting 2-1 after extra time to claim the 2025/26 Portuguese Cup title.

Torreense struck early when Kévin Zohi headed home from close range, giving his side a dream start. They held that lead until halftime despite intense pressure from Sporting. Ten minutes into the second half, Luis Suárez restored parity for the Lisbon giants.

With neither team able to find a winner in regulation time, the match went into extra time. The decisive moment arrived when Maxi Araújo fouled Ismail Seydy inside the box, resulting in a penalty and a red card for the Sporting full-back. Torreense’s captain Stopira stepped up and converted emphatically, sealing an unforgettable victory.

This was only the seventh time a team from outside the top flight had reached the final, and unlike the previous six occasions, it was the lower-tier side that lifted the trophy. Torreense’s triumph will be remembered as one of the great moments in Portuguese football history.

Reporting from Jamor, Tom Kundert described how Sporting, heavy favourites before kickoff, were stunned from the outset. Javi Vásquez earned a corner and delivered it himself, with Léo Azevdo flicking it on for Zohi to head in from close range. The goal silenced Sporting’s fans and set the tone for a tense afternoon.

Sporting dominated possession, playing most of the match in Torreense’s half, yet they struggled to break down the well-organised defence. Torreense’s pace on the counter kept the Lisbon side’s backline wary, with Gonçalo Inácio booked for a foul on the lightning-quick Dany Jean.

Suárez missed an early chance with a back-heel that went wide, and Pedro Gonçalves fired over after being perfectly set up by Hidemasa Morita. Gonçalves came close again in the 33rd minute, his shot beating Luca Paes but rebounding off the post. Suárez then forced Paes into a fine save just before halftime, leaving the score 1-0 to Torreense at the break.

Sporting maintained their attacking momentum after the restart, and in the 54th minute, Suárez equalised. After a scramble following a corner, the Colombian striker turned sharply past his marker and fired low into the net. Minutes later, Geny Catamo thought he had put Sporting ahead from a Maxi Araújo cross, but the goal was disallowed for offside.

Once level, Sporting appeared to relax, and their intensity dropped. Torreense took advantage, gradually regaining composure and limiting Sporting’s chances. Paes made another crucial save from Morten Hjulmand’s long-range effort, while Torreense nearly grabbed a late winner when a deflection off André Simões hit the side netting.

In the 94th minute, Torreense’s fans momentarily erupted when substitute Diadie found the net, but the goal was correctly ruled out for offside. Both teams showed signs of fatigue as extra time wore on, with Francisco Trincão forcing another save from Paes. As the first half of extra time ended, a penalty shootout seemed likely.

However, a dramatic twist came when Maxi Araújo brought down Seydy in the box, earning himself a red card. Captain Stopira held his nerve and smashed home the penalty to make it 2-1, sparking wild celebrations among the Torreense faithful. For the town of Torres Vedras, this was a night that will be remembered forever.

Despite the celebrations, Torreense must quickly refocus for their promotion/relegation playoff second leg against Casa Pia on Thursday, after a goalless first leg. Their extraordinary season could still reach even greater heights.

Head coach Luís Tralhão expressed his emotions after the final whistle: “Am I emotional? Honestly, it hasn’t really sunk in yet. I think I felt more emotional thinking about this day while driving over the last few days than I do right now. When it really hits me, I might get more emotional.”

He added, “Seeing my family in the stands makes me emotional because there’s so much sacrifice involved. A coach’s life brings joy but also a lot of suffering. Looking at our fans and seeing the happiness we’ve given them fills my heart completely.”

Tralhão concluded, “Our celebrations must be measured because of Thursday’s match, at least for me. The players deserve everything they’re experiencing today.”

Sporting lineup: Rui Silva, Georgios Vagiannidis (Ousmane Diomande, 70’), Eduardo Quaresma (Rafael Nel, 100’), Gonçalo Inácio (Souleymane Faye, 106’), Maxi Araújo, Morten Hjulmand, Hidemasa Morita (Luís Guilherme, 70’), Francisco Trincão, Geny Catamo (Daniel Bragança, 90+2’), Luis Suárez, Pedro Gonçalves (Geovany Quenda, 90+2’).