Portugal. League Cup
The Portuguese League Cup (Taça da Liga), sponsored as Taça de Portugal CTT, is an annual club competition featuring teams from the Primeira Liga, Liga Portugal 2, and lower divisions. Launched in 1978, it has become a staple of Portuguese football, delivering thrilling knockout action and upsets where underdogs challenge giants like Porto and Benfica.
History and foundation
The inaugural edition in 1978/79 was won by Porto. Reforms in the 2010s introduced group stages for top clubs and qualification based on league standings. Benfica leads with 8 titles, Porto has 7, and Sporting 4. Notable: Braga's 2011 final win over Porto. Canceled in 2020 due to COVID-19, it returned with tweaks. Record attendance: 2018 final in Braga (30k fans).
Tournament format
Current format: Top 4 Primeira teams enter semifinals directly; others via third round. Group stage (4 groups of 3-4 teams), then playoffs: round of 16, quarters, semis, and neutral-venue final. Single-leg knockout with extra time and penalties. 2023/24 featured 29 teams.
Interesting facts
Average goals per match hover at 2.5, spiking in high-stakes games. Top scorers: Mario (6 goals, 2018/19 for Guimarães), Vinícius (5, 2017/18). Icons: Cristiano Ronaldo scored 4 early for Sporting; Darlan, Hulk, James Rodríguez shone at Porto. Stars: Viktor Gyökeres (Sporting), Galeno (Porto). Discovers talents from lower tiers, like Everton Soares.