The wider picture
Benfica is currently navigating a challenging season in Liga Portugal, sitting in third place, seven points behind league leaders FC Porto and two points behind their rivals Sporting CP. Despite being the only unbeaten team in the Primeira Liga, their position on the table reflects a series of draws that have hindered their title aspirations.
The recent match against Casa Pia ended in a disappointing 1-1 draw, which has significantly impacted Benfica’s hopes of securing the championship. In this match, Benfica dominated possession with 78% and took 18 shots, but only managed to get three on target, showcasing a struggle to convert opportunities into goals. This draw marked Benfica’s ninth of the season, with eight of those occurring under the management of José Mourinho.
José Mourinho, who returned to Portuguese football in September 2025 after a 21-year absence, has seen his team perform well overall, with a record of 16 wins and seven draws in 23 matches since his arrival. However, the recent results have raised concerns about the team’s ability to compete for the title. Mourinho expressed dissatisfaction with the team’s performance against Casa Pia, particularly criticizing their first-half display. “I didn’t like the first half,” he stated, emphasizing the need for improvement.
Despite the challenges, Mourinho remains optimistic about his future with Benfica. He has expressed a desire to continue coaching the team next season, stating, “I would like to continue at Benfica.” His contract runs until June 2027 but includes a clause that allows him to leave this summer, leaving some uncertainty regarding his long-term plans.
Mourinho has also acknowledged the external factors that have influenced Benfica’s championship performance this season. He noted, “There are many factors that influenced this championship,” indicating that the competition from other teams and possibly other circumstances have played a role in their current standing. He has made it clear that Benfica’s aim is to finish in second place, but he recognizes that they do not have control over their fate in the title race. “We don’t depend on ourselves. Even winning all the games, we don’t depend solely on ourselves,” he remarked.
As the season progresses, observers are keen to see how Benfica will respond to these challenges. With their last chance to fight for the title seemingly lost after the draw with Casa Pia, the focus will shift to securing a strong finish in the league. The upcoming matches will be crucial for Benfica as they aim to solidify their position and possibly secure a spot in European competitions for next season.
In summary, Benfica’s journey under José Mourinho is marked by both promise and challenges. While they remain unbeaten in Liga Portugal, the series of draws has complicated their title ambitions. The coming weeks will be critical for the team as they seek to regain momentum and finish the season on a high note.