Pauleta: "Benfica's emblem carries immense history, here and across the globe"

Pauleta graced the National Stadium pitch with the authority of someone intimately familiar with every corner of the ground, departing with yet another Portuguese Cup added to her impressive resume. Analyzing the match, the Spanish midfielder, whose Portuguese is impeccable, highlighted the well-executed strategy to counter the blue and whites: "We started exceptionally well. FC Porto came with their strategy, but we took control of the game and drove it forward."

According to the captain, Benfica demonstrated patience against an opponent that sat deep in their own half, waiting for an error to launch a counter-attack.

"We were excellent in that control phase, avoiding silly turnovers and always striving for balance."

Despite their dominance, Pauleta admitted that the second half revealed some physical fatigue within the Benfica squad. "I felt the team was a bit more tired. The entire season took its toll; we had numerous games, and this season has been long," she confessed, emphasizing that even with less intensity, the Eagles never lost their focus: "We managed to control the game, showing patience and composure. We did a great job, scoring two beautiful goals, and we won the Cup, which was the main objective."

The Spanish midfielder was deeply impressed by the 22,258 fans who set a new attendance record for the competition. For Pauleta, this support reflects the mystique surrounding the club. "It's wonderful to experience these moments. Our fans once again demonstrated what this club is all about. It's a historic emblem, carrying a rich history, particularly here in the Jamor finals, but also worldwide."

Visibly moved by the impressive crowd, the player affirmed that the team works daily to honor this legacy. "We always want to represent that history in the best possible way, and we thank the fans for making history in the stands, because we all work for this."

In the end, there was only one watchword: celebrate the conquest of yet another double for the Cosme Damião Museum.