League Cup: 20th edition kicks off for the first time without the defending champion

The 20th edition of the Taça da Liga begins without the defending champion, Vitória de Guimarães, who failed to qualify. The competition format now includes the top six teams from the previous Primeira Liga season and the top two from the Segunda Liga. FC Porto, aiming to avoid an early exit, will face Académico de Viseu, while Sporting will host Marítimo. The final four will take place in Leiria, with semi-finals scheduled for January 5 and 6, and the final on January 9.