The Estádio Nacional in Jamor, a venue steeped in the history of Portuguese football, became the stage for a landmark moment in the country’s women’s game on Sunday. For the first time ever, the Taça Portugal Feminina final pitted Benfica against FC Porto in a clash of the nation’s football giants, a match that would not only decide a trophy but also signal the arrival of the Dragões on the highest level of Portuguese women’s football.
Benfica emerged victorious, securing their third Taça Portugal title with a 2-0 win over Porto, a result that capped off an extraordinary season for the Lisbon club. The victory also marked the second time in club history that Benfica has achieved the domestic double, adding the cup to the league championship they had already claimed. The final was a historic occasion, not just for the trophy at stake, but for the sheer scale of what it represented: the first-ever women’s football final between the two clubs, and a testament to the growing prominence of the sport in Portugal.
Caroline Møller, the Danish forward who has become a key figure for Benfica, was the hero of the day. She scored both goals for the Eagles, netting twice in the 44th minute to seal the win. Her clinical finishing underscored Benfica’s dominance in the second half, as they controlled the tempo and stifled Porto’s attacking threats. The result was a fitting end to a season that had seen the club consolidate their status as the powerhouse of Portuguese women’s football.
The atmosphere at Jamor was electric, with the stands packed with passionate supporters. The scene was a far cry from the modest beginnings of women’s football in Portugal just over a decade ago, when the infrastructure and fan engagement were a fraction of what they are today. For Ivan Baptista, Benfica’s head coach, the occasion was particularly poignant. “Há 13 anos nada disto existia, este apoio. Não existia o Benfica [thirteen years ago, none of this existed, this support. There was no Benfica],” he reflected. “Ganhámos 2-0 dentro do campo, mas fora dele goleámos [We won 2-0 on the pitch, but outside we dominated].”
While Benfica’s victory was a statement of intent, FC Porto’s performance was no less impressive. The team, which had just secured promotion to the first division for the upcoming season, fought hard against a formidable opponent. Daniel Chaves, Porto’s coach, spoke of the pride he felt in his team’s resilience. “É impossível olhar para este jogo e não usar a palavra orgulho [It’s impossible to look at this game without using the word pride],” he said. “Conseguimos ser competitivos [We were competitive].” Porto’s ability to challenge a European-level side like Benfica, despite the 2-0 defeat, highlighted their rapid progress and the high quality of Portuguese women’s football as a whole.
For Porto, the result was a bitter one, but the experience was invaluable. The team’s promotion to the first division next season means they will now compete at the highest level, a milestone that underscores the rapid growth of women’s football in Portugal. The club’s ambition is clear: to build on this foundation and challenge for silverware in the years to come.
From Cup to League: Benfica’s Season of Dominance
Benfica’s triumph in the Taça Portugal final is the latest in a season that has seen them cement their status as the preeminent force in Portuguese women’s football. The club has now won three Taça Portugal titles, matching the achievements of Sporting CP and trailing only the record holder, 1.º Dezembro, which has seven victories to their name. This season’s double—winning both the league and the cup—is a rare feat, and one that speaks to the depth and consistency of the team.
Ivan Baptista, who has overseen Benfica’s rise, reflected on the challenges and rewards of the season. “Queríamos mais golos, mas não há jogos fáceis [We wanted more goals, but there are no effortless games],” he said. The coach’s words echoed the sentiment that while the result was satisfying, the journey to get there had been far from straightforward. The team’s ability to adapt and control the game against a determined Porto side was a testament to their tactical acumen and mental resilience.
A New Era for Portuguese Women’s Football
The Taça Portugal final was more than just a game. it was a symbol of how far women’s football in Portugal has come. The attendance at Jamor, the media coverage, and the passion of the fans all pointed to a growing recognition of the sport’s importance. For many young players, the sight of a packed stadium cheering on a women’s football match is a source of inspiration and motivation.
FC Porto’s promotion to the first division next season is another significant milestone. The club’s determination to compete at the highest level will add a new dimension to the league, pushing Benfica and others to raise their game. The road ahead is clear: more competition, higher standards, and a bright future for women’s football in Portugal.
What’s Next?
With the Taça Portugal concluded, the focus now turns to the upcoming season. For Benfica, the challenge will be to maintain their dominance in both the league and in European competitions. For FC Porto, the task is to build on their promotion and establish themselves as a consistent force in the first division.
As the dust settles on this historic final, one thing is certain: the future of women’s football in Portugal is not just promising—it is already here.
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