On April 22, 2026, FC Porto will host Sporting Lisbon in the second leg of the Portuguese Cup semi-final, kicking off at 21:45 Central European Time. This highly anticipated clash follows Porto’s recent 2–0 victory over Tondela in the Primeira Liga, which has helped them regain some momentum after their Europa League elimination against Nottingham Forest.
Porto
Currently leading the Primeira Liga by seven points with just four matches remaining, Porto is on the verge of securing the title. They’ve been formidable at home, remaining unbeaten in their last 15 matches across all competitions, with their most recent loss at home dating back to December. This strong defensive performance should serve them well against Sporting, particularly as they aim to bounce back from last season, where they failed to secure a cup victory, despite their historical dominance in the tournament.
Sporting
In contrast, Sporting enters this match following a tough period, having been eliminated from the Champions League by Arsenal with a narrow 1–0 aggregate loss. Additionally, they recently dropped to third place in the league after a 2–1 defeat to Benfica. Currently eight points behind Porto, they still have a game in hand and are determined to stay in the title race. In the Portuguese Cup, they hold a slight advantage, having won the first leg 1–0, which allows them to approach the return match with a more tactical mindset.
Probable Lineups
- Porto: Costa, Baio, Kiwior, Bednarek, Sanusi, Mora, Varela, Froholdt, Pepe, Gul, Pietuzewski
- Sporting: Silva, Diomande, Quaresma, Inacio, Araujo, Hjulmand, Morita, Catamo, Trincao, Pote, Suarez
Key Facts and Head-to-Head
- 3 of Porto’s last 4 matches have seen under 2.5 goals.
- 3 of Sporting’s last 4 matches have seen under 2.5 goals.
- Sporting have won or drawn 4 of the last 5 head-to-head meetings.
- 5 of the last 6 head-to-head meetings have seen under 2.5 goals.
- The first leg between the teams ended in a 1-0 victory for Sporting.