"A significant influx of spectators is expected in the Algarve region in the days leading up to the event, with a high volume of traffic and fan movement expected in the vicinity of Estádio do Algarve, especially on the day of the match," the GNR said in a statement.

Therefore, the GNR, which will deploy approximately 450 military personnel from the Faro Territorial Command in the operation, recommends that fans travel to the stadium "as early as possible," taking into account security and access control procedures.

Gates are scheduled to open at 6:45 p.m., and upon arrival at the stadium, the GNR (National Republican Guard) asks fans to "strictly follow the signs regarding access roads and fan spaces for each team."

The 450-person force will ensure security and road patrol operations, as well as intervention and criminal investigations. Military personnel from the Intervention Unit and the National Traffic Unit will also be involved.

"The force will act preventively, but is prepared to respond quickly and effectively to any incidents that could compromise the event's security, ensuring the maintenance of public order and the protection of people and property," the statement adds.

The intensive security and road patrol operation aims to "guarantee public order and tranquillity, ensure the protection of teams, referees, and fans, and promote the flow of traffic at the entrances to the sports venue".

According to the GNR, this operation also aims to contribute to the "prevention and mitigation of road accidents associated with the movement of fans and citizens in the vicinity," it emphasizes.

The GNR also reminds that spectators with a blood alcohol level equal to or greater than 0.8 grams per litre of blood will be prohibited from entering the stadium, and that weapons and pyrotechnics are prohibited from entering the stadium.

Regarding traffic closures, the GNR (National Republican Guard) reports that, 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 available on National Roads (EN) 396 and 125, as well as Complementary Route (IC) 4.

Access to the IC4 towards Faro will also be closed, with alternatives being the EN125-4 towards Esteval or the Municipal Road (EM) 520-1 towards Santa Bárbara de Nexe.

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.

Benfica and Sporting face each other today at the Algarve Stadium, starting at 8:45 pm, to compete for the first trophy of the season, the Cândido de Oliveira Super Cup.