“We hope that past events serve as a learning experience, so that all families who come here can enjoy this sporting event,” noted Carla Duarte at a press conference held at the National Stadium in Oeiras, the venue for Sunday’s game.

The deputy superintendent of the Public Security Police (PSP) was referring to the incident that caused the death of a Sporting fan the last time the Lisbon rivals faced each other in the final of the competition, on May 18, 1996, hit by a flare thrown from the stands where Benfica fans were seated.

The PSP does not expect reprisals, but rather that “fair play will prevail”, especially since there is an increase in policing – restrictions on movement began on Tuesday – “with all departments committed to ensuring that the event takes place with the utmost security and tranquillity”.

Carla Duarte revealed that access to the Jamor sports complex is authorised from 6 am on Sunday, but the stadium doors will only open at 2:15 pm, three hours before kick-off, even so, more in advance than usual.

“This issue was given much thought. Meetings were held and the decision was to open the gates at 6:00 in the morning. Control has been in place since Tuesday. Camping will not be allowed in the vicinity before that time. We want to ensure the greatest possible safety for everyone and the best way is to open the gates on Sunday at 6:00,” she explained.

In order to allow the traditional celebration of the fans on the day of the match, ticket control will only be carried out at the entrance to the stadium: “There is no ticket control around the stadium. We know that it is a family party. If you want to celebrate with your family or friends, feel free to do so,” she pointed out.

As for people with tickets to watch the Lisbon classic, the PSP recommends that they start accessing the stadium as soon as the doors open, at 2:15 pm, as the security procedures for entering the venue will be stricter and, therefore, take longer.

Sporting fans will be placed on the south side of the venue, with road access via CREL and parking in park one, while Benfica fans will be installed on the north side, with access via the A5 and parking in park five.

Carla Duarte refused to provide clarification on the “injuries to citizens” that occurred during Sporting’s celebrations for winning the national title, recalling that an investigation was opened into the police officers involved in the operation in Praça do Saldanha, in Lisbon, but guaranteed that the police officers assigned to the Portuguese Cup final will act “in whatever way is necessary”.

“We urge fans to also exercise control. Clashes are a situation we all want to avoid and that is what we will do on Sunday,” she said.

Benfica, the record holder for Portuguese Cup titles, with 26 trophies, and Sporting, who have won the competition 17 times, will face each other on Sunday in the final of the 2024/25 season, in a game that starts at 5:15 pm, at the Estádio Nacional, in Oeiras.