With only two matches remaining in Portugal’s top division, Jose Mourinho’s Benfica is on the verge of becoming one of the rare ‘invincibles’ to finish an entire season without a single loss.
However, astonishingly, this feat alone will not secure the club its 39th league title.
Porto has already claimed the championship, establishing a nine-point lead over second-placed Benfica after the weekend’s matches.
Under the leadership of former Chelsea and Tottenham coach Andre Villas-Boas, Porto has suffered just one defeat in 32 games this season.
While Benfica has maintained an unbeaten record, their ten draws—six more than the champions—have hindered their pursuit of the title.
Primeira Liga table [BBC]
Benfica can complete an unbeaten season if they avoid defeat against Braga on Sunday and Estoril Praia in the final match of the Primeira Liga.
Notably, this wouldn’t be the first instance in which Benfica ended a league season unbeaten yet without a trophy; back in 1977-78, Porto edged them out for the title on goal difference with two fewer draws.
Should Mourinho’s Benfica finish without the league title despite remaining unbeaten, they would join FC Sheriff in Moldova (2024-25) and Red Star Belgrade (2007-08) as the only European teams in this century to achieve that dubious distinction.
Did Benfica ‘gift’ Porto the title?
Mourinho and Benfica might see this season as a squandered chance, although an unbeaten record would provide some consolation.
They could potentially drop to third place, as they hold just a three-point lead over Sporting, who also have a match in hand and a better goal difference.
Portuguese sports outlet A Bola asserted that Benfica had “gifted” their rivals Porto 12 points by letting leads slip in six of their ten draws.
However, following the loss of their title hopes in a 2-2 draw against Famalicao on Saturday, Benfica president Rui Costa directed criticism at the match officials.
“No one other than the players and coaches on the field should decide who wins championships or qualifies for the Champions League, and what transpired today was not that,” Costa stated.
He raised concerns about a penalty awarded to Famalicao and indicated that their second goal came from a corner that shouldn’t have been awarded.
“This clearly explains what this referee intended to do today: ensuring that Benfica lost,” he remarked.
Additionally, Portuguese sports daily Record has reported that the Portuguese Association of Football Referees plans to file a complaint against Costa following his remarks.
Mourinho expressed his discontent with the officiating in the match as well, stating, “This game mirrors what has occurred throughout this championship.”
The Portuguese manager has been mentioned in connection with the Real Madrid job this summer, should the club decide to part ways with Alvaro Arbeloa.
Nonetheless, O Jogo has reported that Benfica is set to offer Mourinho a new contract this week.