Benfica ended the 2025-26 Portuguese Primeira Liga season without a single defeat, recording 23 wins and 11 draws to accumulate 80 points, but still finished third in the league table [1, 2]. The team beat Estoril 3-1 in their final match of the campaign, securing the unbeaten run on the weekend prior to May 30 [1, 2].
Benfica finished eight points behind champions Porto and two points behind second-placed Sporting CP [1]. Despite the flawless league record, Benfica will only qualify for the Europa League next season, missing out on the UEFA Champions League qualification [2]. This outcome made Benfica one of only three European clubs this century to complete a league season unbeaten but lose the title, alongside FC Sheriff (2024-25) and Red Star Belgrade (2007-08) [1].
José Mourinho joined Benfica as manager on a two-year contract in September 2025 and is currently aged 63 years [1, 2]. Before the final match, Mourinho stated that Benfica’s Champions League qualification would not affect his future plans, saying, "I'm talking about Benfica, you're talking about Real. As far as I'm concerned, the work we've been doing won't change whether we finish second or third. That's not what will make the difference. Of course Benfica wants to play in the Champions League and I'd prefer that too, but it has no bearing on the decision" [2].
Mourinho is in final negotiations to return as Real Madrid manager, which suggests the Estoril match may have been his last game in charge of Benfica [1, 2]. Benfica previously had an unbeaten league season without winning the title in 1977-78, mirroring the result of this campaign [1].
The next key event will hinge on Mourinho’s future at Real Madrid as negotiations advance. Benfica enters the new season preparing for Europa League competition after their unbeaten but title-losing league run this year.
