Benfica elections heading to a run off next Saturday

Benfica held a record setting election for President in which it failed to get a candidate over the 50% threshold that is required to become the club President for the next 4 years, setting up a run off on November 8.

Benfica club support members (socios) set an all time record with just over 85,000 supporters casting a ballot in the election yesterday. Current Benfica President led the way in support but garnered only 42.1% of the votes a massive drop from 2021 in which he captured 84.8% of members ballots.

Finishing in second was Joao Noronha Lopes who captured 30.2% of supporters votes, while former Benfica President Luis Filipe Vieira finished a distant third with just 13.8% of votes cast his way.

Costa and Lopes will now have two weeks to get the support of the 27+% of voters that they did not receive in the first round of elections in hopes of reaching the 50% required mark to be named the club President. 

Benfica can't win in Europe as slide continues

Benfica's UEFA Champions League campaign hit a new low this week, as they suffered a resounding 3-0 defeat to Newcastle United at St. James' Park. Harvey Barnes netted a brace, while Anthony Gordon added a third, exposing the Portuguese giants' defensive frailties under manager Jose Mourinho.

Mourinho lamented his team's lack of "horsepower" to compete, admitting Newcastle were simply too strong. This marks Benfica's third consecutive loss in the 2025-26 league phase, leaving them pointless and languishing near the bottom of the standings.

With just two goals scored and seven conceded in their three games, the Eagles' attack has been toothless, plagued by injuries and even fatigued from their domestic commitments. Fans have grown restless as Benfica face a daunting run ahead: home to Bayer Leverkusen, away at Ajax, and clashes with Napoli, Juventus, and Real Madrid.

With Presidential elections coming this weekend, the club may go into their next Champions League game with a new club President if polls are to be believed but that will have no effect on Benfica's European dreams, which are fading fast. Mourinho has a demanding task as he looks to revive the club and salvage pride.

Benfica and Atletico to face off in 4th round of Taca

Benfica coming off a 3rd round Taca de Portugal 2-0 win Friday over Chaves have learned their opponents in the 4th round of the competition as they get set to face city rivals Atletico who defeated Felgueiras 1932 by the same 2-0 score yesterday.

The 4th round matchup is set to take place on November 22 with Atletico as the assigned home club. You would have to go all the way back to the time of Eusebio in the 1960's for the last time these two clubs went head to head in a competitive game.