There are three football teams in Lisbon: Benfica and Sporting are both regulars on the European circuit, while Belenenses of Belem is a smaller, second tier team. The season runs from September to mid-June, and most league games are held on a Sunday, with bigger international or cup games on Friday, Sunday or Monday evenings.

Fixtures can be found in Bola, the daily soccer tabloid, at www.portuguesesoccer.com or www.infodesporto.pt/futebal. Tickets for big games cost anything from €5 to €40 and can be purchased in advance at the ABEP kiosk in Praca dos Restauradores (for a handling fee) or at the grounds on the night.

Traditional rivals to Benfica, Sporting Lisbon enjoyed a degree of success when they won the championship for the first time in 20 years, in 2000. Since then their performance has much improved. Their new stadium was built for the 2004 European Championships.