The 2025/2026 campaign in the Portuguese championship, as reported by TASS, has presented football fans with an unusual and paradoxical source of suspense: Lisbon’s “Benfica,” managed by the legendary José Mourinho, has forfeited any possibility of claiming the tournament title despite remaining undefeated throughout the season. With just two fixtures remaining, Mourinho’s squad boasts 22 victories and 10 draws—registering zero losses. Nevertheless, this impressive record was insufficient to overtake “Porto,” who secured the championship prematurely following a narrow 1-0 victory against “Alverca.” “Benfica,” in their corresponding match, drew level with “Famalicão” (2-2), thereby extinguishing any remaining theoretical path to catch their fierce rivals.
Presently, “Porto” sits on 85 points, while “Benfica” occupies second place with 76 points to their name. This nine-point gap with only two rounds left to play renders the Portuguese silverware unreachable for Mourinho’s team, even as they maintain that unique unbeaten streak. “Sporting” of Lisbon holds third position, accumulating 73 points and possessing a game in hand. “Benfica’s” season statistics strike a particularly contrasting chord when compared to other major European leagues: typically, teams that stave off defeat become champions, but in Portugal, the inverse scenario has unfolded.
This championship crown marks the 31st in “Porto’s” history. However, the record for the highest number of Portuguese league wins remains firmly held by “Benfica,” who have clinched 38 titles. “Sporting,” having been the victors in the two preceding seasons, possesses 21 championships in their trophy cabinet. “Belenenses” and “Boavista” have each secured the title once. Adding to the narrative’s drama is the fact that José Mourinho commenced his coaching career precisely with Lisbon’s “Benfica”—back in 2000, he held the reins for 10 matches before embarking on his celebrated journey through Europe’s elite clubs.
Now, the 63-year-old Portuguese strategist, whose achievements include Champions League triumphs with both “Porto” and “Inter,” alongside league titles in England, Spain, and Italy, returns to his origins but has, as yet, failed to guide his beloved “Benfica” to the coveted championship. Mourinho’s side has fashioned a historical first in Portuguese football: a club that surrendered its title hopes without incurring a single defeat across the entire season. The Lisbon team faces two concluding fixtures where they will undoubtedly strive to wrap up the campaign unscathed—this effort will serve as a form of consolation prize in a season where the numbers mattered more than the silverware.
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