Sporting secured the Record International Masters Futsal 2026 on August 30th by defeating Jimbee Cartagena 6-2 in the final played at Portimão Arena before another full house. The team coached by Nuno Dias thus claimed their fourth Masters title, after the triumphs in 2018, 2022, and 2025.
The start of the match was devastating for the lions, who scored two goals in the first 25 seconds. In the opening play, Diogo Santos made it 1-0 at four seconds and, just 20 seconds later, scored again after winning the ball in midfield and breaking free to face the Spanish goalkeeper. Sporting went into halftime leading 4-1, with goals from Felipe Rufino at 15 minutes and Ruela at 19, following a counter-attack led by Rúben Teixeira. In the second half, the lions scored two more goals through Rocha at 25 minutes and Wesley at 39, fixing the final score at 6-2.
Diogo Santos was one of the stars of the final by scoring three goals and was elected the best player of the competition. The lion's player stated he felt proud and highlighted that the collective always comes first. Nuno Dias considered that the tournament allowed them to confirm that Sporting is on the right track for the official start of the season, emphasizing that the team showed superiority in both games played.
On the Jimbee Cartagena side, coach Duda acknowledged the lion's superiority, admitting they conceded 11 goals in two games, which he considered to be outside of what they aim for. Player Francisco Tomaz agreed that the team needs to defend better, although he considered the tournament excellent for their season preparation.
