Rui Costa re-elected as Benfica President

In a thrilling election that went down to a run off, Rui Costa has been re-elected as Benfica President and will be in charge of the club for the next four years, defeating challenger Joao Noronha Lopes who made a strong case to dethrone the incumbent President.

The former Portuguese football legend, who first took the helm in 2021, gained 65.89% of the votes, showcasing strong support from the club's passionate fanbase. Benfica supporters set an all-time record for voter turnout for a sports club with 93,081 votes cast yesterday a testament to the club's global following.

Rui Costa praised his opponent for a respectful campaign, emphasizing that it is now time for unity and promising more victories on and off the pitch for the club going forward. 

As Benfica faces competitive challenges in the Portuguese League and in Europe, Costa hopes that his leadership continuity will stabilize the club. Fans hope that this cements the club's direction going forward and are optimistic of commencing a new era of glory. 

Benfica's Champions League woes deepen with another heartbreaking loss

Benfica fans are left reeling after yet another Champions League disappointment, falling 1-0 to Bayer Leverkusen at the Estadio da Luz on a Patrik Schick second-half strike that proved decisive, condemning the Eagles to their fourth consecutive defeat in the league phase and leaving them languishing at the bottom of the standings with zero points.

The match was a tale of frustration for Benfica, who dominated possession and created numerous opportunities but failed to convert yet again, a telling tale for a club that has failed to score since the 16 minute mark of the first game. A goalless stretch of 344 minutes in the competition and counting.

These misses epitomized Benfica's inefficiency in front of goal, with expected goals of 1.42 compared to Leverkusen's 0.74, this stat suggests that they deserved at least a draw in this match. Manager Jose Mourinho must address this European slump quickly, or Benfica's campaign risks ending in utter embarrassment.

The club's manager said post game that he was happy with his club's performance but frustrated with the result. Benfica now sit 35th in the competition with the same record as 36th placed Ajax and remain out of the basement on goal differential. Oddly enough these two clubs will face off in their next league game in Amsterdam at the end of the month.

 

Benfica in must win game as they get set to host Leverkusen

As the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League season unfolds, Benfica finds itself in a precarious position. After suffering three consecutive defeats in the league phase, the Portuguese giants are teetering on the brink of an early exit from the competition.

A string of losses has exposed defensive vulnerabilities and a lack of clinical finishing, leaving Benfica fans anxious and demanding a turnaround. This week, Benfica hosts Bayer Leverkusen in a pivotal home fixture with both clubs looking for their first win in the competition but Leverkusen has managed two draws in their three games.

Benfica is hoping that their home fortress could prove decisive in boasting a raucous atmosphere that has toppled many elites in the past. A victory is non-negotiable for Jose Mourinho's side to revive their campaign and climb the standings.

Key players like Vangelis Pavlidis, Dodi Lukebakio and Richard Rios must step up in this contest. Will Benfica rise from the ashes, or deepen their crisis? The stage is set for drama in Lisbon this Wednesday night.