Cup final lost in extra time
Sporting fell 2–1 to second-division Torreense in the Portuguese Cup final at the Jamor (7) (2). A disastrous afternoon. Your team led through a first-half goal but conceded an equaliser, then collapsed in extra time to hand Torreense their first-ever major trophy (1). The defeat means Rui Borges misses the chance to become only the fourth Sporting coach to win back-to-back Taça de Portugal titles.
Fans turn on the players
It got ugly at full time. Sporting supporters chanted "Que vergonha!" – "What a disgrace!" – as the players went up to the tribune at the Jamor (9). Most of the squad headed straight down the tunnel without acknowledging the fans who stayed to applaud. A bitter end to a campaign that promised much more.
Borges takes the blame
Record sub-director Vítor Pinto laid the loss squarely at the manager's feet: "Total responsibility of Rui Borges, because Rui Borges cannot only collect the benefits when things are going well" (10). The criticism has been fierce, and with the departures of Morita and Quenda already confirmed plus captain Morten Hjulmand widely expected to leave, the summer rebuild now sits alongside serious questions about the dugout.
Champions League pot 2 secured
There is one piece of good news to hold onto. Sporting go directly into the Champions League group stage and will be in pot 2 for the draw, alongside FC Porto (3) (6). Torreense's shock cup win reshuffled the lower European places but did not affect your path to the top table.
Palhinha door may be closing
A potential return for João Palhinha looks less likely. De Zerbi reportedly wants to keep him at the club, complicating any Sporting approach (13). One to watch as the window opens.
Fan-reaktioner
The mood on Reddit after the final is furious. Fans are demanding answers from Rui Borges, with one thread bluntly asking what his excuse is now after weeks of defending the manager. Another poll is already counting how many matchdays he lasts next season. The squad's failure to acknowledge the travelling support has cut deep, with supporters noting only one player bothered to applaud them. Read the full discussion