José Mourinho has overseen an unbeaten league campaign with Benfica, but the historic achievement ended in frustration as the club finished third in the Primeira Liga table.
As reported by BBC Sport on Sunday, Benfica closed their season with a 3–1 win over Estoril Praia, completing 34 league matches without defeat.
The result capped a remarkable run of 23 wins and 11 draws.
Despite going the entire season unbeaten, Benfica finished on 80 points, placing them behind champions FC Porto, who won the title with 88 points, and second-placed Sporting CP, who ended the campaign on 82 points.
The outcome highlights a rare and unusual scenario in European football: completing a full league season without a loss but failing to win the title.
It is not the first time Benfica have experienced such disappointment. During the 1977–78 season, the club also went unbeaten but were beaten to the championship by FC Porto on goal difference.
Mourinho’s future remains uncertain, with the Portuguese manager reportedly in advanced talks over a potential return to Real Madrid CF. Club president Florentino Pérez is said to be leading discussions over a possible reunion.
Mourinho, who joined Benfica on a two-year deal last September, is now at the centre of speculation following a season that combined defensive consistency with missed silverware.
Should a move materialise, it would mark his return to the Santiago Bernabéu more than a decade after his first spell in charge of Real Madrid.
Gilbert Ekugbe is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over a decade of experience reporting on business and economic affairs. He covers markets, corporate developments, finance, and Nigeria’s broader economic landscape. His reporting is informed by extensive newsroom experience and a strong commitment to accuracy and responsible journalism, helping readers understand complex business issues.
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