After the first stage of the Portuguese League Cup 2008/09 regulations were amended. The resulting format is valid until now (only the number of participants changes). The competition includes five rounds:

18 Segunda Liga teams compete in the first round. They are divided into four groups: 2 groups of 5 teams and two groups of 4 teams. Opponents play one match each, and group games winners and vice champions move on to the next round;

The second round suggests 16 participants: 8 winners of the previous stage, 5 teams ranked 11–15 in the last Primeira Liga season, as well as 3 busts, which dropped out of the top division regarding the preceding season results. All entrants are allocated in two pots. Then draw defines pairs, which will compete for tickets to the next stage;

In the third round, the best teams of Portugal, ranking 1–10 after the last Primeira Liga season, come in. And again adversaries are grouped according to the first round principle, while playing in the round-robin format;

The fourth round or semifinal is held at a neutral field;

The final also takes place at a neutral site and consists of one match;

In case of equal score in the group, the best team is determined by the following algorithm:

Best scored/missed difference;

Number of away goals;

Total average age of all players fielded in all group matches.