Benfica season looks to be over after another missed chance

Benfica’s frustrating 1-1 draw against bottom-half side Casa Pia on Monday night has dealt a potentially fatal blow to their 2025-26 Portuguese League title hopes. With just six matches remaining, the Eagles sit third on 66 points, trailing leaders Porto by seven and second-placed Sporting by two who have a game in hand.

Richard Rios gave Benfica a 68th-minute lead, but Rafael Brito’s 78th-minute equalizer for the hosts exposed familiar defensive lapses and a lack of cutting edge. What should have been a routine three points against a relegation threatened opponent turned into two dropped points that may prove decisive.

The gap to the top is now likely insurmountable unless both Porto and Sporting suffer major collapses. Even a perfect run from Benfica would leave them reliant on favours from rivals. With the title race slipping away, Benfica will need to look at themselves as a club in their final six league games.

Focus now should urgently shift to securing second place and the associated Champions League qualification. Consistency over the final stretch, starting with sharper finishing and greater defensive solidity, will be vital to avoid an even bigger collapse. For a club of Benfica’s stature, finishing third would represent a disappointing season and potential undefeated league season.

Benfica top world rankings of most profitable academy

Benfica continue to top the world rankings in sales of developed players from the club's academy in the past ten years.

According to the CIES report which features 100 clubs with the highest sales of developed players since January 2016. Benfica sit atop the rankings bringing in €589 million with Joao Felix's sale to Atletico Madrid topping the club's list and accounting for around 20% of the total value.

Benfica are not alone as the only Portuguese club in the CIES report as Sporting sit 5th (€417 million), FC Porto at 18th (€284 million) and Braga at 35th (€173 million).

Look for Benfica to continue to cash in over the next few years with academy players, with the likes of Antonio Silva, Tomas Araujo, Daniel Banjaqui and Anisio Cabral being linked with club moves outside of Portugal.

Benfica have competition on signing of Otamendi

Benfica are keen to retain experienced captain Nicolas Otamendi for another season as his current deal with the Portuguese giants expires in June 2026. The 38-year-old Argentine centre-back has been a rock at the heart of defence since arriving from Manchester City in 2020, captaining the side and delivering consistent performances in Portuguese League and European competitions.

Club officials value his leadership and professionalism, with reports indicating Benfica are preparing an offer to extend his contract by one more year. Otamendi remains a key figure in Jose Mourinho’s plans, bringing stability to a squad aiming for domestic and continental success.

However, interest from his homeland has resurfaced. River Plate are monitoring the situation closely, viewing the veteran as a potential free-agent reinforcement. The Buenos Aires club see Otamendi’s quality and experience as ideal for strengthening their backline, especially with his well-known affection for the Millonarios. Otamendi has kept his options open, stating he will decide after the current campaign and the 2026 World Cup. 

While loyal to Benfica, the pull of a return to his homeland of Argentina adds intrigue to Otamendi and his family. For now, the Eagles are pushing hard to keep their captain but will want to remain within budget on any new contract.