Albufeira crowns Sporting CP and FC Porto as Portuguese Cup winners

The Albufeira Sports Hall was the stage for a true Volleyball festival this past weekend, where grit and technique merged to crown the new holders of the Portuguese Cup. Between epic finals and exemplary hospitality, the city reaffirmed its status as the national Volleyball capital in 2026. Albufeira dressed in its finest to host the 2026 Portuguese Cup finals for both the men’s and women’s senior categories. In a constant festive atmosphere, Sporting CP clinched its sixth men’s trophy after a dramatic derby with Benfica, while FC Porto lifted its first-ever solo trophy in the women’s division. 

A derby for the ages

The men’s final will be remembered as one of the most intense in recent years between the so-called ‘eternal rivals’. In a duel against SL Benfica, Sporting CP prevailed 3-2 (25-22, 26-28, 25-23, 21-25, 23-21). The fifth set, decided only in extra points, was a test of the fans’ nerves, sealed by two decisive blocks from middle blocker Kelton Tavares. The national team player, alongside Venezuelan opposite Edson Valencia, was the standout performer of the match. Valencia – with 28 points (61% hitting efficiency) – and Tavares, with 20 points (89% efficiency and 10 blocks), were the top scorers and ‘men of the match’, while Brazilian Felipe Banderó, with 19 points, was Benfica’s most prolific scorer.

João Coelho, the Sporting head coach, was visibly moved as he highlighted his team’s resilience: “We showed at every moment, regardless of the scoreline, that we were not going to give up without leaving everything on the court. Not everyone can respond like we did while trailing by four or five points [in the tie-break].”

On the Eagles side, Marcel Matz acknowledged the quality of the spectacle: “This time, the victory went to Sporting in an extraordinary match. They were efficient and resolved certain plays with more courage and intensity.” 

The dragon’s first flight

In the women’s competition, FC Porto wrote a golden chapter in its still-young history by defeating SC Braga 3-1 (25-21, 22-25, 25-23, 25-20), a team still chasing their first Cup title. The third set was the turning point, where the Blue-and-Whites displayed a gritty mentality to halt the momentum of their rivals. SC Braga’s Beatriz Santos and Margarida Maia, with 19 and 16 points respectively, and FC Porto’s Natalia Murek – daughter of the former Polish Volleyball legend Dawid Murek – with 15 points, were the top scorers of the match. 

Miguel Coelho, the Porto coach, emphasised the group's unity: “It is incredibly rewarding to deliver a Cup to a club that thrives on titles but also knows how to build a family. It was the winning mentality that gave us this Cup today.” 

Despite the defeat, SC Braga coach João Santos expressed his pride: “We lost, but we went down fighting once again. The third set was decisive, settled by small details.”

Albufeira: The heart already beats for the CEV U22 European Championship

The success of this Final Four was not only athletic but also organisational. The Albufeira Municipality, represented by Mayor Rui Cristina, reinforced its commitment to hospitality and regional promotion. This event was part of the ‘Albufeira: European City of Sport 2026’ strategy, serving as a boost to combat tourism seasonality through high-performance sports.

The partnership between the local authority and the Portuguese Volleyball Federation (FPV) is set to last. According to Leonel Salgueiro, FPV National Technical Director, Albufeira will remain the sport’s epicentre in the coming months as the city prepares to host two major national and international events:

•    The Men’s U22 European Championship: Under the aegis of the CEV, Portugal will host Europe’s top prospects in Albufeira from June 29 to July 4, 2026
•    National Beach Volleyball Circuit: The closing of the ‘sand season’ will also take place against the backdrop of the Algarve landscapes in August.

Under the watchful eye of the Secretary of State for Sport, Pedro Dias, representing the Portuguese Government, Albufeira proved it is ready for major challenges, thereby establishing itself as an excellent host for the upcoming weeks and months.