José Mourinho’s Benfica completed the Portuguese Primeira Liga campaign unbeaten but still failed to secure a place in next season’s Champions League after finishing third. A 3-1 win at Estoril on the final day confirmed Benfica’s invincible record over 34 games, but 11 draws left them behind champions FC Porto and runners-up Sporting CP.
Three goals inside 16 minutes put Benfica on the way to victory, with Richard Ríos opening the scoring in the seventh minute and Alexander Bah and Rafa adding quick strikes to secure the three points in what could be Mourinho’s final match in charge.
Portugal receives one direct place in Europe’s premier competition, with a second domestic team entering the qualifying rounds, meaning Benfica’s third-place finish was not enough to gain the direct Champions League berth.
Mourinho has been linked with a return to Real Madrid, with ESPN reporting he has emerged as the leading candidate on a three-man shortlist for the job, the report says. The former Chelsea and Manchester United boss, 63, is under contract with Benfica until June 2027 but the deal contains a clause allowing either party to terminate at the end of this season.
Speaking before the final match, Mourinho told reporters that his future would not be decided by whether Benfica reached the Champions League. “As far as I’m concerned, the work we’ve been doing won’t change whether we finish second or third,” he said, adding that Benfica’s desire to play in the Champions League would not determine his decision.
Mourinho took over at Benfica last September, three weeks after leaving Fenerbahce following an exit from the Champions League qualifying playoffs at Benfica. PA contributed to this report.
