Volleyball Playoffs Begin: Sporting vs. Ala Nun’Álvares & Benfica in Action

Volleyball Playoffs Kick Off: Sporting and Benfica Lead the Charge

The Liga de voleibol playoffs began Saturday, with the quarterfinal matchups set to determine who will advance in the quest for the championship title. The competition is heating up as teams vie for supremacy.

Sporting CP Aims to Defend Title

As the winner of the first phase of the championship, Sporting CP enters the playoffs with momentum. They will face Ala Nun’Álvares, beginning with a home game at Pavilhão João Rocha. Armando Velásquez, Sporting’s coach, emphasized the team’s focus on retaining the national championship after their recent victory in the Taça de Portugal, a hard-fought 3-2 win against Benfica.

Velásquez anticipates a challenging series, stating, “We expect a tough game, because they likewise have great players and a good team structure. Still, we are prepared and know that it is important to start with a win at home and then go to their court to strive to secure the third game here. We hope it goes well for us.”

Benfica Focused on Championship Reconquest

Benfica, despite a recent setback in the Taça de Portugal final against Sporting, is determined to reclaim the championship. They will face SC Espinho in the quarterfinals, with the first game taking place at Pavilhão n.º 2 da Luz.

Benfica’s coach, Marcel Matz, highlighted the team’s strategy, saying, “The idea now is first to get past each phase we have ahead, they are elimination phases, three games against SC Espinho, which is the main focus in the coming days. All the players, almost all the players are available. The idea is always to place the most fitting, most competitive team to win the game, but it is still a process that gives a little, average margin, to give opportunity, put some players to play, by choice, or simply in some important moments of the game and work very hard also in training.”

Matz also praised Espinho, noting their balanced team and experienced players. “They have a good, balanced team, they have two wing spikers with different characteristics, two middle blockers also a little different, an opposite who was a wing spiker and who is now playing opposite, which is Borlini, whom we all know very well, and Fred [Frederico Santos] is an experienced player, a setter. It is a team that we must be aware that we must attack, go strong against them, and try to make the difficulties they have benefit us.”

Other Quarterfinal Matchups

In addition to Sporting vs. Ala Nun’Álvares and Benfica vs. SC Espinho, the quarterfinals also feature Académica de Espinho hosting Vitória de Guimarães and Leixões welcoming Académica de São Mamede.

Recent Results Highlight Competitive Landscape

Recent league standings reveal FC Porto leading with 66 points, followed closely by Sporting CP with 62 points, and SL Benfica with 59 points. Ala Nun’Álvares is currently in eighth place with 21 points. Sporting previously defeated Ala Nun’Álvares 3-0 on February 6, 2026, and also won 3-0 in a match on January 7, 2026.

FAQ

• When did the Liga de voleibol playoffs initiate? The playoffs began on Saturday, March 21, 2026.
• Who is Sporting CP playing in the first round of the playoffs? Sporting CP is playing Ala Nun’Álvares.
• Who is Benfica’s opponent in the quarterfinals? Benfica is facing SC Espinho.

Pro Tip: Keep up with the latest scores and schedules on the official Liga Una Seguros website for real-time updates.

Stay tuned for further updates as the Liga de voleibol playoffs unfold!