Benfica control destiny with two games to go for second spot

Benfica control their own destiny for second place with two games to go in the 2025-26 Portuguese League and the final stretch at hand. Benfica sit tied with Sporting on points in second place with 76 points each from 32 matches. Under Jose Mourinho, the Eagles remain unbeaten in the league to date which is a remarkable achievement but will not win the title. If they remain unbeaten in their final two game it would equal their 1977-78 season which saw the club go undefeated and also lose the title to Porto.

With two fixtures remaining, Benfica control their own destiny for a crucial runners-up finish. They hold the head-to-head advantage over Sporting if the two clubs are to finish even in points. Winning both games would seal second place and secure direct Champions League qualification for next season, rewarding their defensive solidity and consistency.

The final matches offer a chance to complete an historic invincible campaign, boosting morale ahead of European commitments. Finishing second also adds intrigue with Aston Villa now in the Europa League Final. A victory by Aston Villa would hand them the trophy and a spot in next season’s Champions League league phase but if the club automatically qualifies through a Top 4 spot in the Premier League then Portugal's runner up will enter the League phase of the competition directly.

Benfica fans will be watching Villa closely while focusing on securing their domestic league's second place. Two wins stand between them and a strong platform for next season. The Eagles’ fate remains in their own hands and with games at home to Braga (Week 33) and on the road against Estoril (Week 34) a winning finish would push Sporting aside.

Benfica eye experienced free agent Stefan de Vrij as potential Otamendi successor

As league seasons start to wrap up, Benfica have emerged as strong contenders to sign veteran Dutch centre-back Stefan de Vrij on a free transfer this summer. The 34-year-old Inter Milan defender is set to become a free agent at the conclusion of the season when his contract expires. Reports coming out of Italy indicate Benfica, alongside Olympiacos and a few other European clubs, are said to have already made offers for the experienced defender.

De Vrij could perfectly slot in to replace club captain Nicolas Otamendi, whose current deal also runs out at the end of the season. The Argentine veteran has been a stalwart since joining from Manchester City in 2020, but age and a change in direction at the club may open the door for a high-quality, cost-effective replacement.

 

Born in 1992, the tall right-footed defender boasts an impressive career. He rose through Feyenoord’s academy, making 135 league appearances before moving to Lazio in the summer of 2014 for €7 million. He would then join Inter in the summer of 2018 on a free transfer, he has racked up over 210 Serie A appearances, scoring 12 goals, contributing to two Serie A titles in 2021 and 2024 and multiple Coppa Italia and Supercoppa wins.

Internationally, de Vrij has earned 79 caps for the Netherlands, scoring 4 goals and featuring in major tournaments. Known for his aerial dominance, composure on the ball and leadership, he remains a reliable performer despite his age.

For Benfica, signing de Vrij would bring immediate defensive stability and a provide a veteran presence in the back four. It would be a smart move to refresh the backline while maintaining their competitiveness. Fans will be watching closely to see if the experienced Dutchman trades Milan for Lisbon over the summer months.
 

Benfica and Sporting share interest in Kairat Almaty keeper

In an interesting development, Benfica are said to have set their sights on promising 22-year-old, Kairat Almaty's keeper Temirlan Anarbekov. The young shot-stopper has turned heads with his standout performances during this seasons UEFA Champions League, delivering crucial saves and showing composure well beyond his years against some of Europe's top clubs.

According to reports from Kazakh media, Benfica are said to be serious about acquiring Anarbekov, but they will face stiff competition from city rivals Sporting. The Lisbon derby dynamic adds extra spice to the pursuit of the Kazakh keeper as both Portuguese giants battle for a high-upside talent who could become a long-term solution between the posts. Acquiring him wouldn’t break the bank as estimates suggest a fee in the low millions with likely add-ons could be enough to secure his services.

This move appears tied to Benfica’s plans for their current starting keeper Anatoliy Trubin. The Ukrainian international has attracted significant Premier League attention, with Benfica reportedly open to cashing in on the soon to be 25-year-old who has a price tag in the €40 million range. Selling Trubin at that price would provide substantial funds to reinvest in the squad and hand Anarbekov the reigns as the club's new starting keeper.

This move has the classic Benfica strategy of acquiring a player for a low cost and developing them to sell higher in the future. Whether the Eagles can pip rivals Sporting remains to be seen, but the battle for Anarbekov's signature promises to be an intriguing off field battle in the coming weeks between two of Portugal's top clubs.