It was Cup Final time in Lisbon. After 42 games of football we came down to the most important of them all. Game 43, the match that would determine the 2025 Lisbon Tournament champions. Who would be celebrating as the tournament reached its conclusion?

This is how we lined-up:

Bonde Sem Freio (Por)

Best appearance to date: Debut

Record today: Played 6, Won 6, Drawn 0, Lost 0.

Goal difference today: 22-2

Current unbeaten run: 6 games

Today's top goalscorer: Fabricio Simoes (5)

Clean sheets: 4

PFC (Bra)

Best appearance to date: 2017 & 2023 Champions

Record today: Played 6, Won 5, Drawn 0, Lost 1.

Goal difference today: 23-4

Current unbeaten run: 2 games.

Today's top goalscorer: Andre Tomas (6)

Clean sheets: 4

This promised to be a fascinating game – statistically there was very little to choose between the two teams. In terms of goals scored, PFC had 23 compared to 22. In terms of goals conceded, Bonde Sem Freio had conceded just 2 compared to 3. Bonde Sem Freio had the better goal difference of +20 compared to +19. All were very close and both teams had kept 4 clean sheets. In terms of results, Bonde Sem Freio had a 100% record with 6 wins. PFC had the one loss at the end of the group phase. It's not often a team looking to defend their title and win their third title is considered an underdog. Most of the watching hordes had Bonde Sem Freio down as the favourites even though the stats were very close. Whichever team won this Cup Final would certainly have earned it!

The first goal in this Cup Final was always going to be crucial and dictate the pattern of play for the rest of the game. Francisco Alves had scored 4 times today but his most important was his fifth strike as it put PFC 1-0 up in the first half. This was the first time Bonde Sem Freio had been behind in the tournament – how would they respond? Very well was the answer but they were without reward in the first half as PFC maintained their lead until half-time.

In the second half both teams continued to battle hard with PFC looking to preserve their lead and Bonde Sem Freio seeking an equaliser. The quality on show was quite sensational. You could tell this was an enthralling game as literally every other team and player from the tournament were crammed in around the sides of the pitch to watch the action. Ultimately, Bonde Sem Freio were able to find a successful path to goal with Wheverton Lima the hero as he made it 1-1. The battle continued but there was to be no further score. The 2025 Lisbon title would be decided on penalties. PFC won the 2023 title via a shootout and would be hoping for history to repeat itself.

The penalty shootout was an eye to behold. We bore witness to some of the hardest hit penalties we've ever seen. It must have been a nightmare for the goalkeepers – make the save and become a hero or see the ball hit the back of the net but escape injury. Paulo Louro and Afonso Dinis were two very brave men!

After the toin coss it was decided Bonde Sem Freio would shoot first. Diogo Zovo was up first and put his side 1-0 up but the scores were quickly level at 1-1 thanks to Andre Tomas. Fabricio Simoes put Bonde Sem Freio 2-1 up but parity was soon restored thanks to Francisco Alves. Jhon Silva continued the power penalties as Bonde Sem Freio went 3-2 up. Tiago Oliveira struck the winning penalty in 2023 and he was tasked with taking this into sudden-death. It was not to be though as he pulled his penalty wide. Bonde Sem Freio were champions!

Our commiserations go to PFC who had played superbly well again today but were unable to find a way past Bonde Sem Freio – but the Brazilians could not have come much closer! We are sure they will be back again and a third title for PFC is on the cards.

Congratulations to Bonde Sem Freio on their remarkable triumph at the 2025 Lisbon Fives Tournament! Their journey to the title was built on a perfect blend of resolute defending, sharp attacking play, and unyielding determination. They demonstrated their quality at every stage against some strong opposition. Their victory in the final was the culmination of an outstanding campaign, showing they could come up with the clutch moments at the right time. They can take immense pride in lifting the Cup after such a disciplined performance. They were popular winners and it was fantastic to see such quality first hand. This victory could well be the first of many if they could recreate this form in the future.