Benfica lose title on last day of the season

Benfica did not get the help the needed on the final day of the season to capture the league title and finish runner up again to back to back champions and cross town rivals Sporting.

The stage was set for a dramatic final day of the season as both clubs headed into the final weekend of games level at 79 points a piece with Sporting holding the tiebreaker from their head to head encounters with Benfica.

Benfica traveled to Braga, while Sporting was at home to take on Guimaraes. Sporting just needed to match Benfica's result to capture the title and they did just more then that. Sporting won 2-0 while Benfica came from behind to draw Braga 1-1.

The season ends with questions and missed opportunities with the club's biggest mistake being that they started the season with Roger Schmidt on the sidelines even though his poor club performances had reached a plateau. 

Benfica then missed out on the opportunity last weekend at the Luz to pull out in front where today's results would have given them the crown but faltered and drew 1-1. The result means that Benfica will have to go through qualifying if they are to make it into the main stage of the Champions League next season.

 

Lenore Sports buys stake in Benfica

American investor group Lenore Sports Partners has purchased a 5.24% stake in Portuguese giants Benfica according to a statement released by the club's SAD. 

The deal marks the first time that an investor group from America has purchased such a big stake in a top tier Portuguese club with Benfica said to be valued in the €598M to €659M according to data firm Benchmark, which would place Lenore Sports stake to be worth €31.3M to €34.5M.

Sport Lisboa e Benfica, a fan group own the majority of the club through the SAD with a 64% stake. Lenore Sports will work with the club in exploring opportunities where the club has the potential for more growth as they will use their decades of experience to add another aspect to the business side of the club.

Benfica need help to win Portuguese title

Benfica and Sporting drew 1-1 in a critical Lisbon Derby game yesterday, leaving both teams level with 79 points going into the final matchday of the season next weekend. Trincao opened the scoring for Sporting just four minutes into the contest and Akturkoglu's second half goal assisted by a dazzling solo run by striker Pavlidis gave both teams a point a piece.

Sporting hold the tiebreaker advantage from their head to head record, defeating Benfica 1-0 at home in Week 16, meaning Benfica will need help if they are to win the Portuguese League this season. Benfica's hopes hinge on a win or draw against Braga and a Sporting slip up against Guimaraes as any result that sees both club's tied in points will give the title to Sporting.