Benfica win in the Azores as they get set for Real Madrid

In a thrilling clash today at the Estadio de Sao Miguel in the Azores, Benfica edged out Santa Clara 2-1 in Week 22 action. Vangelis Pavlidis scored his 20th league goal of the season to open the scoring for Benfica just 16 minutes into the game, Benfica would then get an own goal by Santa Clara defender Paulo Victor before the end of the first half.

Goncalo Paciencia pulled Santa Clara to within one goal just two minutes into the second half but Benfica held firm to earn the victory. The win comes at a crucial time of the season as Benfica get set for a two leg playoff showdown against Real Madrid in the Champions League with the first leg set to take place at the Luz on Tuesday with the second leg taking place at the Bernabeu on the 25th.

Benfica are coming off a 4-2 victory over Real in the final game of the league phase and the club should be buzzing with confidence going into the matchup. Mourinho is hoping to find the right formula as he looks to show that he still has his dominance in Europe's major competition. 

Is Ruben Amorim edging closer to Benfica post

Portuguese football is buzzing with an intriguing managerial domino effect that is potentially on the horizon. Reports indicate that Jose Mourinho, currently managing Benfica, is the front runner to become Portugal's national team manager after the 2026 World Cup.

With Roberto Martinez's contract set to expire following the tournament, the Portuguese Football Federation appears eager to appoint the "Special One" to lead the national side going forward.

The move would potentially reunite him with Cristiano Ronaldo for one last dance. If Mourinho departs Benfica for the international stage, Ruben Amorim's name has emerged as the prime candidate to take over for Mourinho at the club.

The 41-year-old, fresh off a challenging 14-month stint at Manchester United that ended in January 2026, retains strong support in his homeland. His successful trophy laden spell at rivals Sporting and his nine years as a Benfica player make him a sentimental yet strategic fit for the Eagles. 

This potential swap could revitalize both club and country, blending Mourinho's experience with Amorim's innovative tactics in a seamless Portuguese reshuffle that could turn the second half of 2026 on it's head.

Benfica hope for favourable result in Sporting-Porto clash

As a die-hard Benfica fan, your hoping for a favourable result in tomorrow's FC Porto and Sporting clash at the Dragao, which feels like it could present a pivotal moment in the league season.

With Porto leading the league at 55 points and Sporting hot on their heels at 51, Benfica currently sit third with 46 points and are in a precarious spot. 

A Porto victory would keep the gap wide, potentially burying our title dreams deeper. But oh, how sweet it would be if Sporting pulls off the win and Benfica do their part defeating Alverca, then the top three spots would be separated by just six points.

Benfica, the only unbeaten team in the league would be back in the title race with games still to come against both teams in the second half of the season. We don't always want to see our rivals win but in this case it could set off a very interesting second half of the season.