Portuguese football club Benfica concluded their domestic league campaign with a 3-1 victory over Estoril. Despite maintaining an undefeated record throughout the entire season, the club managed only a third-place finish in the league standings. Prior to the match, Benfica manager José Mourinho had dismissed speculation regarding a return to Real Madrid, stating that no formal contact had been established with the Spanish club and that discussions regarding his future at Benfica would take place following the conclusion of the season.
Statistical Breakdown and Standings
The Liga Portugal, which comprises 18 competing teams, saw Benfica emerge as the sole club to navigate the 34-match season without a single defeat. Mourinho’s side recorded 23 victories and 11 draws. However, this unbeaten record proved insufficient to secure the league title or even the runners-up position. Benfica finished the season with 80 points, placing them eight points behind the champions, Porto, who secured 88 points, and two points adrift of second-placed Sporting CP, who accumulated 82 points.
Final Standings of the Liga Portugal Top Three
The final points distribution and match records for the top three clubs in the division are outlined below:
| Table Position | Club Name | Matches Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Total Points |
| 1st (Champions) | Porto | 34 | — | — | — | 88 |
| 2nd | Sporting CP | 34 | — | — | — | 82 |
| 3rd | Benfica | 34 | 23 | 11 | 0 | 80 |
Historical Precedent and Management Future
Finishing an entire domestic league season unbeaten without securing the championship is a phenomenon Benfica have experienced previously. During the 1977-78 season, the club similarly went undefeated but lost the title to Porto, who drew two fewer matches and claimed the trophy via a superior goal difference.
By finishing third this season, Benfica have matched an unwanted European football record. They have become only the third European club in the 21st century to complete a domestic league season undefeated without winning the title. This statistical anomaly was previously recorded by the Serbian club Red Star Belgrade during the 2007-08 season, and more recently by the Moldovan club FC Sheriff during the 2024-25 campaign.
The final match against Estoril is expected to be Mourinho’s last appearance in the Benfica dugout. Reports indicate that advanced negotiations are underway for the 63-year-old manager to return to Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu stadium after a 13-year absence. Mourinho originally signed a two-year contract with Benfica in September, but Real Madrid President Florentino Pérez is reportedly eager to secure his services to address the Spanish club’s recent lack of silverware.
