Lisbon, May 9, 2025 (Lusa) - The Lisbon Metro's Parque, Marquês de Pombal, Avenida and Picoas stations will be closed to the public from 5.30pm on Saturday, due to the possible celebrations of Portugal's national football champions after the Benfica-Sporting match.

In a statement released on Friday, the transport company says that the changes to the metro's operation are being made "for security reasons and on the advice of the Public Security Police (PSP)".

"This measure stems from the security plan defined by the relevant authorities, in the context of the Benfica-Sporting football match, and the forecast of a large number of fans in the Praça Marquês de Pombal area," the statement said.

Also according to the company, in the event of "exceptionally high demand, there may be changes to the frequency of trains", which could be reflected in "a possible increase in waiting times across the network".

Throughout Saturday, the Lisbon Metro adds that it will "make every effort to reinforce services on the Blue Line before the match and on all lines after it finishes".

"The operation will be permanently monitored, adjusting the supply according to the demand, within the technical and operational capacities available," the company said.

The Lisbon Metro said that the service "may be subject to other operational changes", should they be determined by the PSP depending on the evolution of the situation.

Sporting and Benfica share the lead in the Primeira Liga and face each other this Saturday, from 6pm, at Benfica's Estádio da Luz, in Lisbon, in the 33rd matchday of the Primeira Liga, which could determine the 2024/25 national champion.

RCP/AYLS // AYLS

Lusa