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Sporting CP began the 2026/27 campaign by lifting the Portuguese Men’s Super Cup for the second consecutive year, defeating arch-rivals SL Benfica 3-0 (25:22, 25:19, 25:22) in Viseu.
The victory delivered the first trophy of the domestic season to João Coelho’s side, who continue to set the pace in Portuguese volleyball after completing the league and cup double last season.
Played at the Pavilhão Cidade de Viseu, the derby brought together two teams with ambitions of challenging for domestic honours, but Sporting proved more clinical when the pressure increased. Benfica remained competitive for long stretches, yet the reigning champions controlled the key exchanges and never allowed their rivals to turn the match in their favour.
The statistics highlighted Sporting’s greater efficiency. Benfica conceded 21 points through service errors, a costly total against a team that was already strong at the net. Sporting finished with eight blocks to Benfica’s five and five aces to their opponents’ two. Kelton Tavares led Sporting’s scoring with 11 points, while Benfica’s Aboubacar Drame Neto finished with 12 and Alexandre Ferreira added 10.
The opening set was closely contested before Sporting found the decisive edge in the closing stages. João Rafael Ferreira and Lourenço Martins helped the champions gain control, and Benfica’s missed serve handed Sporting the final point at 25-22.
The second set followed a similar pattern, with both teams exchanging points before Sporting stepped up the pressure after the midpoint. Jonas Aguenier’s serving helped the hosts build momentum, while Tavares delivered a decisive block to seal the set 25-19 and put Sporting within one set of the trophy.
Benfica attempted to extend the contest in the third, mounting a late challenge and closing the gap to 21-20. However, Sporting remained composed in the closing exchanges. Sergey Grankin’s experience and João Rafael’s attacking contribution helped the champions hold their nerve and complete the straight-set victory, 25-22.
After the match, Sporting head coach João Coelho praised his team’s discipline and identity, while acknowledging the demands of the season ahead. “There is a winning culture and a distinct identity here. We served well early, defended solidly, and kept control during key moments,” he said, highlighting the challenge posed by the domestic league, the national cup and the CEV Champions League.
Benfica coach Sakis Psarras congratulated their opponents and acknowledged the difference between the teams on the day. He said Sporting currently had an advantage in confidence, technical execution and tactical clarity, adding that Benfica needed to make adjustments in both mindset and technique to reverse the trend as the season progressed.
For Sporting, the Super Cup is an encouraging start to a campaign in which they will aim to defend their domestic titles while also making an impact in Europe. For Benfica, the defeat offers an early indication of the areas that need improvement before the competitive schedule gathers pace. The first trophy of the season belongs to Sporting, who once again came out on top in one of Portuguese volleyball’s biggest rivalries.
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