Mourinho's Benfica, worrying numbers and past ghosts return | OneFootball

Benfica dropped points in the league again after drawing with Casa Pia, a result that increased the pressure on the team managed by José Mourinho. Despite still being unbeaten in the competition, the Eagles have already recorded nine draws. This situation has left them with a lower points tally than in recent seasons.

After 28 matchdays, Benfica have 66 points, their lowest total in the last four years. To find lower numbers, you have to go back to the 2021/22 season. At that time, the Eagles finished the campaign in third place after an inconsistent run.

That season was marked by spells under Jorge Jesus and later Nélson Veríssimo in charge. The team had 61 points at the same stage of the league season. The comparison with that period is once again stirring fears among Benfica supporters.

Despite their unbeaten run, a lack of attacking efficiency has been pointed to as one of the causes of their performances. Benfica have scored 59 goals in 28 matchdays, a figure not seen since 2020/21. Their reduced finishing ability has prevented the team from turning draws into wins.

With six matchdays still to play, Benfica remain in the fight for the top places. Even so, the points gap to the top and their recent numbers are increasing the pressure. The spectre of finishing third is emerging again, four years later, in a decisive final stretch.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.