Energies recharged for the final match

In an afternoon of Benfica fraternization, five-time national champions Andreia Norton, Christy Ucheibe and Cristina Prieto were at Espaço Casa in Alverca for an autograph session. An extra boost of motivation for Benfica, who will be playing Torreense in the Portuguese Cup this Saturday, May 17, at the Estádio Nacional do Jamor.

It was not yet 5:30 pm - the time the action was scheduled to start - and several fans were already waiting for the Benfica footballers to arrive. Accompanied by children, on a hot Wednesday afternoon, May 14, some were waiting in their cars; others were taking the opportunity to look inside the store

Gradually, the Benfiquistas multiplied. Among those who were there, they stood out for the red they wore, contrasting and enveloping themselves, as on so many other occasions, with the colors that bring the space to life.

The entrance of the players, who made their way to their seats greeting the fans already lined up, was accompanied by sounds of astonishment and admiration from young and old alike.

Christy Ucheibe, Cristina Prieto and Andreia Norton sat down and smiled at the Benfica fans, who, one by one, asked for autographs and photographs. Memories associated with another historic moment for Benfica's women's football team.

In a familiar, intimate and good-natured atmosphere, the players chatted with the fans, who spoke to them with words of pride for celebrating their 5th consecutive league title and encouragement for what still remains to be won: the Portuguese Cup. “Saturday, we're going to win,” they said, with the ever-motivating ‘Carrega, Benfica!

LAST STOP: PORTUGUESE CUP

In a season in which they won the League Cup and the Fifth league tittle in a row, Benfica are preparing for the final of the Portuguese Cup, the last official competitive event of the 2024/25 season. At the Estadio Nacional, starting at 3 pm this Saturday, May 17, the eagles will decide the trophy with Torreense.

Ahead of the decisive game, we spoke to Andreia Norton, who highlighted the team's focus on the remaining trophy.

"As there's only one game left, we're all focused on the Portuguese Cup. We were five-time champions, we celebrated, but that's over now. Now the focus is on the Portuguese Cup. The team is committed, ready to play and bring the Cup back to the club," said the midfielder, speaking to the Official Website and the newspaper O Benfica.

Having won the 2nd Portuguese Cup in 2023/24 - the 1st was in 2018/19, the season in which women's football started at the Club - Andreia Norton revealed that the team feels “good pressure” to win it again.

"It's good pressure, because Benfica is always a club that plays to win everything. I think the team is calm, they're looking forward to the Cup, but I think it's more that kind of pressure. The minutes I'm in there I'll give my all, try to help the team as I always do. Train well, too. I think that's important, that by training well I'll always help the team to be the best," she said.

Listen to Andreia Norton

If she wins, it will be the Portuguese international's third Portuguese Cup trophy - one with Benfica, the other with SC Braga - and she recalled what she felt at the Estadio Nacional in 2023/24.

"It's a very beautiful cup, our fans there together, the party itself. Climbing the steps of Jamor and celebrating with our fans for that long... It's a beautiful party. I really hope to do it again for our club," said Andreia Norton.

On the other hand, this could be Cristina Prieto's first Portuguese Cup, as she joined Benfica in July 2024.

"I think it's going to be a tough game, it's a final. A beautiful and exciting game. I think we're going to see two teams who want to fight for the title," said the Spanish forward, who described her journey as ‘a beautiful apprenticeship’, speaking to BTV.

ALL TO JAMOR

The number of fans in attendance left no doubt as to the support the team will receive at Jamor. Late on a Wednesday afternoon, and after the autograph session that took place at the Estádio da Luz, the Benfiquistas made a point of hugging the players and showing that they were with them.

"It's beautiful, it's a joy to come and have them all waiting here. The truth is that it's exciting, it's beautiful, and whenever we go anywhere, they wait for us and accompany us. My teammates had already told me what it's like [the fans' support], and the first time I felt it was at the Algarve tournament," said Cristina Prieto.

"It's always good to share these moments with the fans and feel that we have their support and affection. It's about taking the little time we've had with them back with us and knowing that they're there for us," said Andreia Norton.

Listen to Cristina Prieto

Representing a motivated team that will fight to lift the 3rd Portuguese Cup trophy in Benfica's trophy cabinet, the players called on the fans to be present.

"They know that their support and presence are also important at Jamor. That's the appeal," said Andreia Norton.

"The truth is that they are the 12th man. They carry us. I invite everyone to come and support us. The fans are what will bring us closer to our goal and make it work in our favor," said Cristina Prieto.

From the first to the last Benfiquista, everyone went home with memories of the day. The Inspiradoras, meanwhile, return with their energy recharged for the final match of the 2024/25 season. Together, the fans and the team will go in search of another page of glory in the hegemonic history of Benfica's women's football team.