On Wednesday, December 17, 2025, a David-and-Goliath clash will unfold in the quiet streets of Faro, Portugal, when SC Farense hosts Benfica in the fifth round of the Taça de PortugalEstádio de São Luís. It’s not just another cup tie — it’s a chance for a small club to defy history, and for Portugal’s most decorated team to keep its trophy chase alive. Kickoff is at 20:45 UTC (3:45 PM Eastern Time), and for American fans, this isn’t just a late-night watch — it’s a rare opportunity to see a genuine underdog story unfold on the pitch.
History Says Benfica Should Win. But Football Doesn’t Always Listen.
The numbers don’t lie. In the last nine meetings between these two sides, Benfica has won seven, drawn two, and never lost. The goal difference? A staggering 23-10 in favor of the Lisbon giants. Their most common scoreline? 2-3 — a pattern that’s repeated three times. Even in the 2024-2025 Primeira Liga, Benfica won 3-2 at Farense’s home ground. And in a friendly last July? A 5-0 thrashing. The record is brutal. Yet here’s the twist: SC Farense has won its last three home matches — all in the cup. They’ve held their own against bigger clubs before. And while Benfica hasn’t lost in five games, they’ve been far from flawless. Their defense has shown cracks. Their midfield has looked sluggish. And they’ve had to scrape past lower-tier teams in earlier rounds. This isn’t the Benfica of 2023, dominating with precision. This is a team still finding its rhythm under new manager Jorge Jesus, who took over after the departure of Nélson Veríssimo in November 2025.How to Watch in the USA — And Why Fubo.tv Is the Smartest Bet
For fans in the United States, the match is accessible through multiple platforms: ESPN, NBC Sports, Paramount+, and DAZN all hold broadcast rights. But the real standout? Fubo.tv. For the first time this season, they’re offering a free trial specifically for this match — no credit card required upfront. That’s rare. Even for a cup game. Why does it matter? Because Fubo.tv delivers not just the broadcast, but live stats: ball possession, shot maps, duels won, even yellow card alerts. If you’re a fan who wants to feel like you’re in the stands, even if you’re in Chicago or Cleveland, this is your best window. And if you’re skeptical? The free trial lets you test it before committing. No other provider is doing that.What’s at Stake Beyond the Trophy
For Benfica, this is about momentum. They’ve won 26 Taça de Portugal titles — more than any other club. They’re chasing number 27. But more than that, they need to prove they can win away from the Estádio da Luz. Their away form this season has been inconsistent. A win here keeps their domestic campaign alive and sends a message to rivals like Porto and Sporting CP. For SC Farense, it’s about legacy. The club hasn’t reached the quarterfinals of the Taça de Portugal since 2019-2020. Their squad is filled with young talents — 19-year-old winger Rúben Fernandes, who scored twice in their last home win, and 22-year-old goalkeeper João Silva, who’s kept three clean sheets this season. They’re not just playing for pride. They’re playing for a shot at the national stage.The Bigger Picture: Why This Match Matters for Portuguese Football
The Taça de Portugal is the last great leveler in Portuguese football. In the league, money and resources dominate. But in the cup, a third-division team can knock out a giant. That’s why this match draws more than just fans. It draws scouts, agents, and national team coaches. A standout performance from a Farense player could mean a move to Europe’s bigger leagues. A collapse from Benfica could spark a crisis of confidence. And let’s not forget the location: Estádio de São Luís. Built in 1923, it’s one of Portugal’s oldest grounds. The stands are tight, the atmosphere is raw. The pitch is uneven in places. It’s not glamorous. But that’s the point. This is football stripped bare — no corporate boxes, no overpriced beer, just 13,000 fans screaming for a miracle.What Happens Next?
The winner advances to the quarterfinals, scheduled for late January 2026. If Benfica wins, they’ll likely face either Braga or Nacional. If Farense pulls off the upset? They’ll be drawn against one of the top four clubs in Portugal — and suddenly, their season transforms from hopeful to historic. Meanwhile, the rumors are already swirling. Farense’s president, Carlos Pinto, told local media this week that the club is “considering an offer” for a new training complex if they reach the semis. And Benfica’s sporting director, Luís Filipe Vieira, hinted that a youth player might be loaned out after this match — a sign they’re already thinking beyond the cup.Frequently Asked Questions
How does this match affect SC Farense’s chances of promotion to the Primeira Liga?
It doesn’t directly impact promotion — Farense currently sits 10th in Liga Portugal 2, 12 points off the playoff spots. But a deep cup run boosts revenue, visibility, and morale. A quarterfinal appearance could attract sponsors and increase ticket sales by up to 40%, which helps fund squad improvements for next season. It’s about sustainability, not just points.
Why is there confusion about José Mourinho coaching Benfica?
Some websites incorrectly listed Mourinho as Benfica’s coach due to outdated data or automated scraping errors. Mourinho has never managed Benfica. As of December 2025, Jorge Jesus is in charge, having replaced Nélson Veríssimo after a poor run in November. Mourinho is currently managing Fenerbahçe in Turkey. The error is a reminder to always verify sources — especially when AI-generated content is involved.
What’s the significance of the 2-3 scoreline in past matches?
The 2-3 result has occurred three times between these teams, making it the most common outcome. It suggests Benfica wins — but not comfortably. Farense usually scores first, then Benfica comes back. This pattern implies Farense can compete early, but Benfica’s depth and experience usually decide the game. If Wednesday’s match follows this script, expect Farense to lead at halftime — and Benfica to strike late.
Can Farense actually win this match?
It’s unlikely — but not impossible. Benfica has won their last four away games and scored in all five of their last matches. But Farense’s home record is strong, and Benfica’s defense has conceded in three of their last four away games. A red card, a penalty, or a moment of magic from Rúben Fernandes could change everything. Football, after all, isn’t played on paper.
Why is this match being streamed on so many platforms in the U.S.?
Because the Taça de Portugal has grown in global appeal. With over 1.2 million U.S.-based Portuguese-speaking fans and growing interest in European domestic cups, broadcasters are competing for rights. ESPN and Fubo.tv are betting that fans will tune in for underdog stories — especially when the match is live, late at night, and free to try. This isn’t just about Portugal anymore. It’s about the universal appeal of hope.
1 Responses
Benfica better not show up with their usual arrogance. This isn't the Primeira Liga. This is Farense's house. And stadiums like São Luís don't care about trophies-they care about heart.