Sporting's double jeopardy

Miracle men 
But the champions must avoid becoming the fifth casualty of the 'miracle men' from 2. Divisão B if they are to make it six cup wins from 23 final appearances. Leixões have written headlines and history as the first third-division team to reach this stage of the tournament.

Euro- Leixões 
Vitória FC Setúbal and SC Farense did so as second-tier clubs in 1943 and 1990, but Carlos Carvalhal's men are the biggest underdog yet. Not that they are without pedigree: they were in the top flight when they lifted the trophy in 1961. And now the so-called 'babies' will represent their country in next season's UEFA Cup - Sporting are in the UEFA Champions League.

The great divide 
So Leixões, who hail from the northern town of Matosinhos, have nothing to lose. "We are a modest club from a smaller league and the difference between the teams is huge," said their coach, Carvalhal. "Almost every Sporting player is a full international. We know we have only the slimmest chance, but we will do our best."

Toll of victims 
Leixões lead the northern section of 2. Divisão B, making them favourites for promotion to the 2. Liga. Winning ways they have carried into the cup. Having ousted lowly Pevidém in the second round, they started taking their toll of victims: GD Chaves (2. Liga), Varzim SC (1. Liga), Moreirense FC (2. Liga champions), Portimonense SC (2. Liga) and, finally, SC Braga (1. Liga). In midfielders Abílio and Nail Besirovic they have players with first-class experience. In forwards Pedras and Antchouet, they have their division's 21-goal top scorer as well as the Taça's leading marksman.

Resting on laurels 
For Sporting coach Laszlo Bölöni, the hard part will be lifting a squad who, for the past fortnight, have sat on the laurels of their title triumph. Moreoever, the match comes on the eve of Portugal coach António Oliveira's announcement of his FIFA World Cup squad.

No baloney 
Bölöni said: "Our main problem will be motivation. Leixões will be at their peak and nobody who reaches a final thinks they are going to lose. Leixões have added the ingredients that football needs. They have had the most amazing run and will be a tough opponent. So I ask for total commitment. We have to prove ourselves on the pitch."

Living the dream 
Sporting have accounted for Vilanovense, SC Farense, FC Alverca and CS Marítimo since joining the competition at the fourth round. But while Leixões fans might fear the prolific Mário Jardel and his partner-in-crime João Pinto, Sporting will face a relaxed team. Carvalhal and company are in dreamland.