Sporting CP retain Portuguese Super Cup after comprehensive victory over rivals SL Benfica
News
Sporting CP LISBOA kickstarted their 2026/2027 domestic campaign in dominant fashion, lifting the Portuguese Men’s Super Cup for the second consecutive year. In a thrilling national derby held at Pavilhão Cidade de Viseu, the reigning Portuguese champions defeated traditional rivals SL Benfica 3-0 (25-22, 25-19, 25-22) to claim the first silverware of the season.
The win reinforces Sporting CP’s recent domestic dominance following their league and national cup ‘double’ last season, while providing a strong morale booster ahead of their upcoming CEV Champions League Volley campaign.
Dominance at the net and service pressure
• Despite high intensity from both sides, Sporting CP proved more clinical in key fundamentals. Guided by coach João Coelho, the ‘Lions’ capitalised on Benfica’s service errors – the ‘Eagles’ conceded as many as 21 points on their own unforced serve errors – while imposing a solid block-defence system.
• Blocking power: Sporting out-blocked Benfica eight to five, with key contributions from middle blocker Kelton Tavares and experienced playmaker Sergey Grankin.
• Serving efficiency: Sporting registered five direct aces compared to Benfica’s two.
• Top Performers: Kelton Tavares led Sporting’s scoring chart with 11 points, while Benfica’s opposite Aboubacar Neto (12 points) and Alexandre Ferreira (10 points) topped the match standings for Benfica.
After a competitive opening set, Sporting pulled away late through crucial net plays from João Rafael Ferreira and Lourenço Martins, closing out the first set 25-22 on a missed serve from Benfica. The second set followed a similar pattern: after back-and-forth exchanges, Sporting accelerated past the midpoint, backed by Jonas Aguenier’s service run and a decisive set-ending block by Tavares (25-19). Benfica mounted a late response in the third set, pulling within one point at 21-20, but Grankin’s experience and João Rafael’s offensive power secured the clean sweep for Sporting CP.
João Coelho“There is a winning culture and a distinct identity here. We served well early, defended solidly, and kept control during key moments. We have a tough season ahead with the domestic league, national cup, and the CEV Champions League [against Khilasedichi BAKU], but this team works hard every day to maintain these high standards.”
Head coach of Sporting CP
Sakis Psarras“Congratulations to Sporting; they played a very good match and currently hold an edge in confidence, technical execution, and tactical clarity. We are honest with ourselves – we need to make key mindset and technical adjustments to be able to reverse this trend as the season progresses.”
Head coach of SL Benfica