SOCCER SCHEDULEBy Gianni Taina
Porto are playing against Sporting CP at the Estadio do Dragao for a spectacular second-leg showdown in the 2026 Taça de Portugal semifinals, with both sides fighting for a coveted spot in the grand final.
In the first leg, Sporting CP claimed the advantage by defeating Porto 1-0, thanks to a clinical penalty from Luis Suarez. That narrow lead could prove decisive as the two Portuguese giants battle it out in what promises to be an intense atmosphere in Porto.
The referee added nine more minutes.
After a VAR review, the referee showed a red card to Alan Varela.
The referee is reviewing a possible red card for Porto via VAR.
Rui Silva received a yellow card.
Sporting CP: Geovany Quenda, Francisco Trincao and Maximiliano Araujo were replaced by Luis Guilherme, Ricardo Mangas and Pedro Gonçalves.
Porto: Alberto Costa was replaced by Seko Fofana.
The game has been paused while Araujo receives medical attention.
Oskar Pietuszewski, Deniz Gul and Gabri Veiga were replaced by Pepe, Terem Moffi and Rodrigo Mora.
Now, it was Alan Varela who tried his luck from the distance, but his effort sailed over the crossbar.
Froholdt tried with a strike inside the box, but it sailed over the crossbar.
Jan Bednarek recived a yellow card.
Thiago Silva was replaced by Alan Varela.
The visitors seem content with how the match is unfolding, given their advantage in the aggregate score. Porto must step on the accelerator in search of the goal needed to level the series.
Morten Hjulmand left the field injured to make way for Daniel Braganca.
The second half has started much like the first, with very little to report so far. Let’s hope these 45 minutes bring significantly more action than the opening half.
Porto and Sporting CP are already playing the second half!
It was a lackluster first half at the Estadio do Dragao, where neither side managed to register a single shot on target. This tactical deadlock heavily favors Sporting CP; having secured a 1-0 victory in the first leg, a draw today is all they need to punch their ticket to the grand final.
The Lions have looked comfortable, using their defensive solidity to stifle the game's rhythm. For the second half, Francesco Farioli will need to ring the changes and find a spark for Porto, as the Dragons desperately need a goal to keep their qualification hopes alive.
The game goes to halftime!
Rosario tried with a powerful strike from outside the box, but his effort sailed over the crossbar.
Gabri Veiga received a yellow card.
Porto nearly found the opening goal after a strike from Gabri Veiga inside the box, but it was heroically blocked by Zeno Debast.
There is very little action at the Estadio do Dragao, where both teams are playing cautiously, clearly unwilling to make a mistake that could cost them a place in the grand final. We will see if the second half offers a different kind of match.
Hjulmand received a yellow card.
Sporting CP is the side in better form on the field, displaying great defensive solidity and recovering the ball quickly to prevent Porto from finding any rhythm.
Geny Catamo surged into the box and delivered a quality cross, but in a surprising turn of events, Quenda mistimed his finish, and the chance went begging.
Porto's Rosario received a yellow card.
The visitors seem to be taking more of the initiative than their rivals, but clear-cut scoring opportunities have yet to materialize in the match.
After a brilliant run down the wing by William, he cut into the box and whipped in a dangerous cross that was well-claimed by Rui Costa.
Sporting's Inacio left the field injured to make way for Zeno Debast.
In these opening minutes, there hasn't been any dangerous action toward the goals. It’s been a physical start, with play already halted twice to attend to players down after collisions.
The game between Sporting CP and Porto is underway!
Players from both teams are on the pitch. Everything is ready for the start of the match!
Miguel Nogueira has been appointed to officiate the semifinal clash between Porto and Sporting CP. He will be joined on the field by Paulo Bras and Nuno Pires, who are set to serve as the assistant referees.
Full officiating team:
Players from both teams have taken the field for warmups at the Estadio do Dragao!
Sporting's starting XI: Rui Silva; Eduardo Quaresma, Diomande, Inacio, Araujo; Hjulmand, Morita; Geny, Quenda, Trincao; Suarez.
Porto's starting XI: Diogo Costa; Alberto, Thiago Silva, Bednarek, Kiwior; Froholdt, Pablo, Gabri Veiga; William, Deniz Gul, Oskar Pietuszewski.
Porto vs Sporting CP will get underway at the Estadio do Dragao at 3:45 PM (ET).
Fubo will be the primary option to watch Porto vs Sporting CP in the USA. The other option to enjoy the game are: Fanatiz, beIN SPORTS, beIN SPORTS en Español, beIN SPORTS CONNECT and RTPi.
Welcome to our live coverage of the Taca de Portugal, where Porto host Sporting CP in a massive semifinal second leg. Both sides are in top form as they battle for a spot in the grand final!
Stay with us for key information and minute-by-minute updates of this exciting game!
