Viktor Gyökeres, Sporting Lisbon forward, was instrumental in leading Sporting CP to their second consecutive Portuguese league title, as Benfica failed to achieve victory on the final matchday of the season on Saturday. Gyökeres and Pedro Gonçalves each scored in a 2-0 victory against Vitoria SC, ensuring that the title remained with Sporting’s green and black colors, while Benfica finished as runners-up. Benfica managed a 1-1 draw against 10-man Braga, resulting in Sporting finishing with 82 points, just ahead of Benfica’s 80 after 34 matches.
Gonçalves scored the opening goal for Sporting in the 53rd minute. Gyökeres secured the win in the 82nd minute by skillfully handling a high ball in the box, getting past a defender and the goalkeeper before shooting it into the net.
In a display of celebration, the Swedish forward raised his shirt and flexed his muscles, bringing about a pleasant reaction from the home fans. This goal brought his tally to an impressive 39 goals in 33 league appearances, complemented by six further goals in the Champions League, thereby establishing him as a strong candidate for the European Golden Boot, awarded to the leading scorer in domestic leagues.
This achievement surpassed his previous season’s tally of 29 league goals, helping Sporting win the 2024 title. He is seen as a top talent in European soccer, with rumors of a big transfer this offseason, especially since Arsenal is said to be interested in him. ‘Reaching our goal this season and doing it on the final day is amazing,’ Gyökeres said, adding that ‘the future is always unpredictable.’
Sporting clinched their 21st league title in an exciting final match. With both Sporting and Benfica level on points before the last match, Benfica had a slight advantage due to their superior head-to-head record. Sporting only had to equal Benfica’s result, while Benfica was hoping for a mistake from Sporting and to do better themselves.
The title race was intense after both teams drew 1-1 in a derby last weekend, where they had chances to win the championship.
On Saturday, their games started at the same time. Benfica fell behind early against Braga when Rodrigo Zalazar scored a penalty in the 23rd minute. But Vangelis Pavlidis brought Benfica back into the game with an equalizer in the 63rd minute, assisted by substitute Ángel Di María. Just three minutes later, Braga was down to ten players after João Moutinho got a second yellow card, but Benfica couldn’t take advantage and score the winning goal.
The league wrapped up just a day before Portugal’s national elections. Sporting and Benfica will meet again in the Portuguese Cup final next weekend, which might be Gyökeres’ last game for Sporting, as bigger European clubs are interested in his goal-scoring skills. ‘We want to win that match, but for now, we just want to celebrate,’ Gyökeres said about the upcoming cup final.
