Travel Advisory Issued for Football Match in Algarve, Portugal by Police
Benfica vs Sporting: Security Measures and Traffic Restrictions Announced for Super Cup Match
Fans eagerly anticipating the highly-anticipated Benfica vs Sporting match for the Cândido de Oliveira Super Cup on August 2, 2025, at the Estádio do Algarve, can expect a robust security operation to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
The National Republican Guard (GNR) will deploy approximately 450 military personnel for security operations, with the aim of guaranteeing public order, protecting teams, referees, and fans, and promoting traffic flow at the stadium. The operation also aims to prevent and mitigate road accidents in the vicinity of the event.
Spectators are advised to arrive early to account for security and access control procedures, with gates at the stadium opening at 6:45 p.m. Those with a blood alcohol level greater than 0.8 grams per litre of blood will be prohibited from entering the stadium. Weapons and pyrotechnics are also prohibited from entering the stadium.
To control congestion and enable smooth access for fans and emergency vehicles, traffic restrictions around the stadium will be in place. Access to the IC4 towards Faro will be closed, with alternatives being the EN125-4 towards Esteval or the Municipal Road (EM) 520-1 towards Santa Bárbara de Nexe. Fans are also advised to follow signs for access roads and fan spaces for each team.
The security force will ensure road patrol operations, interventions, and criminal investigations, with a focus on quick and effective responses to any incidents that could compromise the event's security. Between 11:00 PM and 1:00 AM, the A22 will be closed in the Portugal-Spain direction between junctions 12 and 13, with alternatives on National Roads (EN) 396 and 125, as well as Complementary Route (IC) 4. Access to the Troto bypass of the EN125 and the IC4 towards Faro-Loulé will also be closed to traffic, with travel via the EN125.
The GNR operation also includes designated parking areas and possibly shuttle services, as well as signage and barriers to guide crowd movement and prevent overcrowding. Fans are encouraged to follow these guidelines to ensure a smooth and safe event experience.
For more detailed logistical and security information, fans are advised to visit the official websites of Estádio do Algarve or the Portuguese Football Federation, or consult local municipal announcements. The Algarve region is expecting a large influx of spectators in the days leading up to the event, so fans are encouraged to plan their travel and accommodations accordingly.
With these measures in place, fans can look forward to an exciting match between two of Portugal's most storied football clubs, as they compete for the first trophy of the season at the Estádio do Algarve. Kick-off is scheduled for 8:45 pm.
Fans planning to attend the Benfica vs Sporting match at the Estádio do Algarve in Portugal should arrive early to account for security procedures, as spectators with a blood alcohol level greater than 0.8 grams per litre of blood will be prohibited from entering. To control congestion and ensure smooth access, traffic restrictions will be implemented around the stadium, including the closure of the IC4 towards Faro and alternatives such as the EN125-4 and EM 520-1.
