“The order will be exactly the same. […] We will not change anything. Exactly the same, as it has always been, and this has guaranteed everyone’s safety, which is the most important thing, and that people can celebrate with their families and with joy”, said Carlos Moedas (PSD), in statements to Lusa news agency.

Last Saturday, Lisbon City Council determined, through a municipal order, that nearly 60 restaurants, cafes and supermarkets in the Marquês de Pombal and Parque Eduardo VII areas would have to close at 5:00 pm, due to possible celebrations for the champion of the main football league.

The decision was justified “for security reasons” and after a request from the Public Security Police (PSP), within the scope of the possibility of the Portuguese football title being awarded in the Lisbon classic between Benfica and Sporting, which started at 6 pm, at Estádio da Luz, but which resulted in a draw (1-1), postponing the outcome regarding the champion of the Portuguese I Football League.

Also on Wednesday, there was an addition to this order to clarify that, if the national football champion was not determined, a situation that occurred, the restrictions would cease at the end of Benfica-Sporting.

Given the result of the Lisbon classic, the decisive games of the last round of the I Liga are scheduled for next Saturday, May 17, at 6 pm, namely Sporting-Vitória de Guimarães and Sporting de Braga-Benfica, which will decide the champion title, announced the Portuguese football league on Sunday.

Asked about what is planned for next Saturday, the mayor of Lisbon stated that “the restrictions are always the same, they are the security restrictions that come from the PSP's opinion”.

“It has always worked, so we will maintain the safety advice. Here, the mayor has to guarantee safety and, to guarantee safety, I have to follow the advice of the experts, those who know, who are the Public Security Police,” said Carlos Moedas.

The mayor argued that the implementation of restrictions in the Marquês de Pombal region, including on the opening hours of commercial establishments, “has gone well for the city” in the context of sporting festivities.

Normally, to celebrate winning the championship, Benfica and Sporting fans gather at the Marquês de Pombal roundabout and the surrounding area.

Regarding the restrictions, the Portuguese Hotel, Restaurant and Similar Association (AHRESP) expressed concern about the economic impact of the early closure of commercial establishments, despite understanding the decision.

“Although we understand the need to guarantee public order, we cannot fail to point out the economic impact that this measure entails, especially for businesses that depend on the influx of people on busy days,” said AHRESP, in response to the Lusa news agency.