05.05.2026 14:05
Although Jose Mourinho's Benfica came close to finishing the season undefeated, they lost the championship to Porto due to 10 draws. Mourinho's students will complete the season without a loss if they remain undefeated in the remaining matches against Braga and Estoril Praia. Despite this, Benfica will etch its name among the rare 'teams that couldn't become champions without losing' in European football.
With two weeks left in the Portuguese Super League season, a striking picture emerged. Benfica, under Jose Mourinho's management, lost the title race despite being undefeated in the league.
PORTO SECURES CHAMPIONSHIP
After the weekend's matches, Porto increased the points gap with their closest rival Benfica to 9, securing the championship. Porto, chaired by Andre Villas-Boas, lost only once throughout the season and clinched the trophy with a consistent performance.
10 DRAWS COST THE TITLE
Benfica, who remained unbeaten throughout the season, drew in 10 matches. These results caused the Lisbon side to drop points and fall short of the championship goal.
A RARE SIGHT IN EUROPE
Jose Mourinho's students could finish the season undefeated if they also avoid defeat in the remaining matches against Braga and Estoril Praia. Despite this, Benfica will write their name among the rare teams in European football that 'could not win the title despite not losing.'
HISTORY REPEATS
Benfica experienced a similar situation before in the 1977-78 season. That season, Porto won the championship on goal difference with fewer draws.