Amarante players were in tears when they stepped onto the Alvalade Stadium lawn

In an unforgettable moment for Amarante FC, two players were unable to contain their tears as they entered the José Alvalade Stadium pitch, the stage for the 4th round match of the Portuguese Cup against Sporting. This episode, captured by Sporting TV, highlighted the emotion experienced by Armando Silva, a 29-year-old defender, and Tiago Antunes, a 24-year-old winger, as they stepped onto one of the biggest stages in Portuguese football.

For Amarante, this is a historic occasion, repeating a clash that took place 45 years ago, also in the Portuguese Cup. In 1979, the team visited Alvalade after a draw at Campo da Barroca, being defeated by the lions 5-0.

While some players took the opportunity to make video calls and group photos, coach Álvaro Madureira appeared focused, prepared for the challenge. Around 1,500 Amarante fans will be in Lisbon to support their team, in a game that celebrates the spirit and surprises of the premier competition.