Benfica miss Primeira Liga title despite historic unbeaten campaign
The club president faces a formal complaint from the refereeing association following public criticism of officials, while Mourinho remains at the club amid contract talks
Jose Mourinho's Benfica have secured an unbeaten campaign in the Portuguese top flight, yet the club failed to win the league title, finishing second nine points behind champions Porto. Under the presidency of Andre Villas-Boas, Porto were crowned champions after a weekend victory, having lost only one of their 32 games this term. In contrast, Benfica's ten draws cost them crucial points, resulting in a trophyless season despite zero losses.
This outcome marks a rare anomaly in European football, as Mourinho's Benfica would join FC Sheriff and Red Star Belgrade as the only sides this century to miss a league title despite an invincible record. While the club sits three points ahead of Sporting, who have a game in hand and a superior goal difference, the gap to the leaders remained insurmountable. Portuguese publication A Bola reported that Benfica had effectively gifted rivals 12 points by letting leads slip in six of their ten draws.
The season concluded with controversy after a 2-2 draw at Famalicao, which prompted Benfica president Rui Costa to publicly criticise officials. Costa alleged that a penalty was unfairly awarded and that a second goal resulted from a non-corner kick, stating that no-one has the right to decide championship outcomes other than players and coaches. These remarks have reportedly triggered a formal complaint from the Portuguese Association of Football Referees against the club president.
Amidst the disappointment of missing the title, speculation linking Mourinho to a managerial role at Real Madrid has emerged. However, reports indicate that Benfica are set to offer the Portuguese manager a new contract this week. Mourinho, who expressed dissatisfaction with the officiating following the match at Famalicao, remains at the club as Benfica prepares to complete their invincible record against Braga and Estoril Praia in their final fixtures.
The club's inability to convert an unbeaten run into a championship mirrors a previous instance in the 1977-78 season, when Porto drew two fewer games than Benfica and won the title on goal difference. While Mourinho and his staff may view the season as a missed opportunity, the achievement of remaining unbeaten will serve as a significant solace. The final league table position could still shift if Sporting capitalise on their remaining game to overtake Benfica.
