Sporting de Portugal was eliminated from the Portuguese Cup round of 32 after losing 1-0 to third-tier Varzim.
Rúben Amorim’s side, who have seventeen cup titles in their showcases, the last in 2019, and another twelve lost finals, fell at the Cidade de Barcelos stadium, failing to score a goal scored by Joao Faria in the 70th minute.
Varzim, who were relegated last season to the third division, were the star of the big surprise in this third round of the Portuguese Cup, which was marked by the hasty elimination of many teams from the highest category of Portuguese football. Eight First Clubs bid farewell to their tournament aspirations.
Eight First teams, eliminated
In addition to Sporting, Marítimo, Santa Clara were eliminated by Tondela (2-0), Boavista with Machico (1-0), Chaves against Valadares Gaia (3-2), Rio Ave against Oliveira Hospital (3- 2) and Portimonense against Vilaverdense (2-0).
Paços Ferreira, beaten by Vitoria Setúbal (2-0), also bid farewell to the Portuguese Cup, a result that cost coach César Peixoto his job after being dismissed.
Benfica, on penalties
Benfica, the most successful team in the tournament with twenty-six cups, were also on the verge of elimination on Friday. They needed penalties to enter the round of 32 after the match against Caldas, from the Third Division, ended in a goal draw.
Porto win
Warned by an avalanche of failures by First Division teams, Porto were not surprised and clearly defeated Anadia (0-6), from the Portuguese Third Division, in the tie.
The reigning champions of the tournament, Atlético Madrid’s Champions League rivals, ruled the clash in the first half. Goals from Daniel Loader, in the 6th minute, from Gabriel Verón in the 11th minute and from the Spaniard Toni Martínez on the half hour were enough to warn him of his presence in the sixteenth. Later, in the second part, Fabio Cardoso joined the party, again Toni Martínez and, finally, Bruno Costa, who closed the account.
Sergio Conceiçao managed to give rest to some of the regulars and minutes to many of the substitutes, not missing their chance. The game was perfect for the coach of Porto, who fulfilled all his goals: he did not tire his important men and qualified for the next round of the Portuguese Cup.
Source: La Verdad
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
