Mourinho's Benfica go unbeaten but lose league title in 2026

Benfica finish second despite going an entire season without defeat, as Porto claims the title.

Unbeaten season yet no trophy With just two fixtures remaining in Portugal's top division, Jose Mourinho's Benfica are on the brink of achieving an unbeaten campaign. However, this historic run will not secure the league championship for the club. Porto have already secured the title after increasing their lead to nine points over second-place Benfica over the weekend. The Dragons, under the leadership of former Chelsea and Tottenham boss Andre Villas-Boas, have suffered just one defeat in 32 league matches this season. ## Draws cost Benfica dearly While Benfica have remained undefeated throughout the campaign, they have settled for ten draws, six more than the champions. To complete an entire season without a loss, Benfica must avoid defeat against Braga this Sunday and Estoril Praia in the final matchday of the Primeira Liga. It would not be the first time the club finishes unbeaten but without silverware, as in the 1977-78 season they were pipped to the title on goal difference after Porto conceded two fewer draws. ## Rare company in modern football If Benfica finish the league without a loss, they would join only two European teams this century to achieve this feat yet miss out on the title. FC Sheriff from Moldova accomplished this in 2024-25, while Red Star Belgrade did so in 2007-08. Mourinho's side now face the prospect of finishing third, as they lead Sporting by just three points, who have both a game in hand and a better goal difference. ## Did Benfica hand Porto the title? Portuguese publication A Bola suggested Benfica had effectively handed Porto the championship by squandering leads in six of their ten draws. Following a 2-2 draw at Famalicao on Saturday, Benfica president Rui Costa instead blamed the match officials for the outcome. Costa argued, "No-one has the right to decide who wins championships or who goes to the Champions League other than the players and coaches on the field, and what happened here today was not that." ## Officials face scrutiny after controversial decisions Costa criticized the refereeing in the Famalicao match, claiming an unfair penalty was awarded to the home side and that their second goal originated from a corner that was incorrectly given. He stated, "It unequivocally explains what this referee came here to do today. Trying to make sure Benfica got beaten here." Local reports indicate the Portuguese Association of Football Referees will file a complaint against Costa following his remarks. Mourinho, also critical of the officiating, remarked, "This game is a good reflection of what has happened in this championship." ## Mourinho's future in focus Speculation continues to link Mourinho with the Real Madrid managerial position if the Spanish club part ways with Alvaro Arbeloa this summer. However, a local report suggests Benfica will present Mourinho with a new contract proposal this week. The Portuguese manager has led Benfica to this remarkable unbeaten run, though the league title remains beyond their grasp.