The Cup final provided an opportunity to Benfica for a double – their opponent, although city rival, was not particularly serious challenger: Belenenses. However, ambition cannot be underestimated easily – the final was still a Lisbon derby, Belenenses was on ascent… and they surprised Benfica by beating them 2-1.
Benfica lost the Cup final and had to be satisfied with one trophy this season. In any case, they won the more important championship.
Belenenses triumphed and it was more than pleasant victory of the underdog: after a very, very long decline, Belenenses was seemingly on ascent, possibly restoring its leading position… in time. This was their 3rd Cup, but they won a trophy for a first time since 1959-60,when they won their 2nd Cup. Reduced to insignificant third club of Lisbon, now they claimed better place in the ranks of Portuguese football. Not ready yet for much, but boosted by success, everything was possible. So were the hopes of blue fans. The triumph was due to two coaches: Brazilian Mario Marinho (remembered as a central defender of Brazil at the 1974 World Cup, now 42 years old) took the helm in August, 1987, but in December, 1988 well respected in Portugal Englishman, John Mortimore (55) was signed as well and it seems the two foreigners worked in tandem all the way to winning the Cup (and both left the club in June, 1989). Of course, Belenenses could not compete financially with Benfica and their players were modest compared to what Benfica had – thus, the victory was even sweeter. No matter what, winners deserve to be known and here is the squad: goalkeepers – Jorge Martins (35 years old), Justino (29), Rui Valentin (22). Defense: Baidek (Brazil, 29), Galo (28), Carlos Ribeiro (25), Rui Gregorio (21), Sobrinho (28), Teixeira (Angola, 25), Ze Mario (Brazil, 30). Midfield: Adao (29), Delei (30), Dudu (Brazil, 29), Goncalves (22), Jaime Merces (26), Jorge Silva (25), Jose Antonio (32), Juanico (31), Macae (Brazil, 25), Paulo Monteiro (25). Strikers: Chico Faria (25), Chiquinho Conde (Mozambique, 24), Stoycho Mladenov (Bulgaria, 32), Paulo Sergio (21), Saavedra (Angola, 27).
Nothing like Benfica… it could be argued that their most famous name was coach Mario Marinho… The best known player was Stoycho Mladenov and that largely from the early 1980s, when playing for impressive in Europe CSKA (Sofia). And for the Bulgarian national team, of course, with which he played at the 1986 World Cup finals. But he was 32 years old already… Chiquinho Conde was just making his name. Add Brazilians Baidek and Ze Mario, who achieved some international recognition with their previous club, Gremio, and that was all… Again, modesty makes victory greater and sweeter. As for the future… Belenenses needed serious and massive additions if wanting to play key role and that meant money, and money… they did not have much. So, once again – sweet victory, for most likely success would not come again.
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