The draw for both the round of sixteen and the quarter-finals of the Portuguese Cup has been made.
With all the main contenders still in the competition, attention was naturally drawn to the possibility of a Porto v Benfica clássico in the quarter-finals.
But first things first. With 16 teams remaining, there are three all top-flight ties in the fifth round of the Taça de Portugal, with Porto-Famalicão and Santa Clara-Sporting the pick of the bunch.
Famalicão are enjoying a fine season and are currently in fifth place in the standings and are sure to give the current Primeira Liga leaders a tough test at the Estádio do Dragão.
A trip to face Santa Clara in the Azores is always a testing assignment for any team, and Sporting will need no reminding of the fact. The Lions were somewhat fortunate to escape with a last-gasp and controversial victory in the recent league encounter between the two teams in São Miguel.
In the other tie that pits together two sides from the top division, Vitória will fancy their chances at home against rock-bottom AVS.
Full round-of-sixteen draw
Lusitano de Évora-Fafe
Casa Pia-Torreense
FC Porto-Famalicão
Vila Meã-União de Leiria
Caldas-SC Braga
Farense-Benfica
Santa Clara-Sporting
Vitória de Guimarães-Aves SAD
Ties to be played between 16 and 18 December 2025
The second phase of the draw decided the quarter-final lineup, and it set up a potential blockbuster matchup. Should Porto beat Famalicão and Benfica overcome Farense in the Algarve, the two bitter rivals will meet with a place in the semi-finals at stake.
Braga will be pleased with the outcome. Carlos Vicens’ side can reach the semi-finals if they win two ties in which they will play lower-level opposition, the first of which Caldas SC who knocked out Tondela in the fourth round.
An unfamiliar name will also be in the semi-finals, with one of Casa Pia, Torreense, Vila Meã or União de Leiria making the last four of competition at least.
Quarter-final draw
FC Porto-Famalicão/Farense-Benfica
Casa Pia-Torreense/Vila Meã-União de Leiria
Lusitano de Évora-Fafe/Caldas-SC Braga
Santa Clara-Sporting/Vitória de Guimarães-Aves SAD
Ties to be played between 11 and 15 January 2026
