Benfica finish league season undefeated but its a total disappointment

In a campaign defined by remarkable consistency yet haunted by missed opportunities, Benfica completed the 2025-26 Portuguese League season undefeated but finished a shocking third place, condemning them to the UEFA Europa League next season. The Eagles played 34 matches without defeat, recording 23 wins and 11 draws for 80 points. Yet rivals FC Porto (88 points) and Sporting (82 points) edged them out for the top two spots.

Despite the unbeaten run, a feat that would normally guarantee silverware, Benfica's inability to convert dominance into victories against more opposition proved costly. Fans watched in frustration as several draws against mid-table sides proved decisive. The disappointment is compounded by major off-field uncertainty. Manager Jose Mourinho, who returned to Portuguese football with high expectations, is strongly linked with a move to Real Madrid. Los Blancos are reportedly preparing a lucrative offer to bring the "Special One" back to La Liga amid their own transitional period. Mourinho's departure would mark another turbulent chapter for Benfica. 

Adding to the turmoil, veteran defender and team captain Nicolas Otamendi will not renew his contract and leave the club this summer for River Plate, creating a significant void in the heart of the backline. The 38 year-old Argentine World Cup winner, a pillar of Benfica's defense for the past five seasons will need to be replaced by another veteran center back who can provide a calming presence to their young backline. 

Club president Rui Costa faces mounting pressure to stabilize the squad. While the unbeaten record offers pride, third place and European demotion represent a sobering reality of how it does not mean a thing. Benfica must now regroup for the 2026-27 season quickly if they hope to turn historic resilience into future silverware and a return back to Europe's top competition.

Benfica open to offers for right back Amar Dedic after World Cup

Once the dust settles after World Cup 2026, Benfica are reportedly open to entertain serious offers for their impressive young right-back, Amar Dedic. The 23-year-old Bosnian international has enjoyed a breakout season in Portugal, catching the eye of several top European clubs with his dynamic performances.

Benfica acquired Dedic from Red Bull Salzburg in July 2025 for approximately €12 million. The versatile defender, who can also feature on the left, has a contract until 2030 with a €50 million release clause. Previously a product of Salzburg’s academy (with loans at Wolfsberger and Marseille), Dedic quickly established himself as a key figure at Estadio da Luz.

In the 2025-26 campaign, Dedic has been a revelation. He has made over 20 league starts, contributing 1 goal and 4 assists in Portuguese League action while logging significant minutes across domestic and European competitions. Known for his attacking overlaps, defensive solidity and stamina, his displays have bolstered Benfica’s backline and added width in transitions.

Premier League heavyweights Manchester City have been strongly linked, with reports of interest dating back to January and bids potentially going as high as €60 million. Liverpool have also been mentioned, while Fenerbahce and Atletico Madrid have shown recent interest.

With Benfica historically adept at profitable sales, a big money exit will fund further squad rebuilding and the club is hoping for a breakout performance by Dedic at World Cup 2026 before they start listening to offers. For Dedic, a move to a top club would mark another step in his rapid rise. Fans will watch closely as the summer transfer window rolls in.    

Benfica on way to becoming The Unbeatable Three

As the 2025-26 Portuguese League season reaches its climax, Benfica stands on the brink of a remarkable achievement. With one match remaining, the Eagles are unbeaten across 33 league games, 22 wins and 11 draws, boasting a solid goal difference. It's a defensive masterclass and testament to squad resilience under pressure.

Yet, football's cruelty shines through on the season. Despite this flawless record, Benfica are set to finish third in Portugal. Porto have clinched the title, while Sporting just edged them on points in Week 33. An undefeated campaign that would normally spark title parades will instead end potentially in Europa League qualification. The "what if" lingers heavily as a single slip avoided could have presented different results in the standings but instead it look to be a season that has slipped away.

 

Enter Jose Mourinho. The man once dubbed "The Special One" for his transformative brilliance at FC Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan and Real Madrid now he looks to author a different legacy at his boyhood club. Leading Benfica to an unbeaten league season cements his tactical genius once more. From parking the bus to orchestrating controlled dominance, Mourinho has turned potential fragility into ironclad consistency but what he could soon be known as is "The Unbeatable Three", the coach who delivered an invincible domestic run yet watched the ultimate prizes evade him to finish third.

It's a paradoxical crown, historic but bittersweet. Missing the Champions League would sting deeply. The revenue gap between it and the Europa League is massive. The Champions League phase alone brings tens of millions in prize money and broadcasting rights that Benfica desperately needs for squad investment. The Europa League offers prestige and a path, but lacks the financial firepower and glamour of Europe's elite competition. For a club of Benfica's stature, it's a costly missed opportunity that could impact recruitment and squad depth next season.

Mourinho's future remains uncertain amid Real Madrid links, but this unbeaten feat ensures his Benfica chapter will be remembered. Special? Undoubtedly. Undefeated? Absolutely. Triumphant? Not quite for The Unbeatable Third.