Full Breakdown
Torreense Stun Sporting to Capture First Portuguese Cup in 109 Years
5/25/2026, 1:33:01 PM
The Upset in Detail
Second-division Torreense beat cup holders Sporting CP 2-1 at Jamor. Kevin Zohi opened scoring in the third minute. Luis Suárez equalised in the 54th. In extra time Maximiliano Araujo was sent off for a foul on Ismail Seydy, and captain Stopira converted the resulting penalty.
Historical Context and Stakes
Founded in 1915, Torreense had never won a major trophy and last reached the cup final in 1956, losing to Porto. It was the seventh non-top-flight final, with all previous winners Primeira Liga clubs. Sporting, an 18-time champion, entered as heavy favourites.
Key Players and Coaching Voices
Torreense’s decisive contributors were Kevin Zohi (goal scorer), captain Stopira (penalty taker) and goalkeeper Lucas Paes. Coach Luís Tralhão led the side. Sporting’s notable figures included Luis Suárez and Maximiliano Araujo.
Match Timeline
3´: Zohi scores. 54´: Suárez equalises. Extra time: Araujo was sent off after fouling Ismail Seydy; Stopira converts the penalty.
Numbers that Matter
Final score: 2-1 to Torreense after extra time. Red card: Maximiliano Araujo (Sporting). Penalty: awarded in extra time, scored by Stopira. Stadium capacity: ~2,500 at Jamor. Trophy: First major honour, securing a 2026-27 Europa League spot. Promotion play-off: Torreense leads 0-0 after first leg against Casa Pia.
Implications
The cup win automatically qualifies Torreense for the Europa League, marking the club’s debut in European competition. The result also fuels optimism ahead of the promotion play-off, where a victory would elevate the team to Portugal’s top tier.
Official Reactions
Coach Luís Tralhão called the win “emotional” and urged “controlled celebrations” before Thursday’s play-off, noting the joy of giving “happiness” to supporters while acknowledging the “anguish” of a coach’s role.
On the Ground: Fans and Atmosphere
Torreense supporters were a minority in the Jamor stands but celebrated wildly after the penalty. A banner read “109 years of history, a glorious future, long live Torreense!” The venue amplified the drama for the club’s historic triumph.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I haven’t really got a notion of what we’ve just done.” — Luís Tralhão, Torreense coach
- “But I’m emotional when I see my family in the stands, because it’s a lot of suffering.” — Luís Tralhão, Torreense coach
- “The celebrations have to be controlled [because of Thursday’s game], at least for me. The players deserve everything that will happen to them today.” — Luís Tralhão, Torreense coach
- “I think I got more emotional thinking about this day when I was driving my car the last few days than I am right now.” — Luís Tralhão, Torreense coach
What’s Next
Torreense will contest the second leg of the promotion play-off against Casa Pia on Thursday. The club also begins preparations for the 2026-27 Europa League group stage, where it will face opponents from across Europe.
