Benfica’s rollercoaster: From Lage’s sacking to Mourinho’s return | OneFootball

The 2025/26 season for Benfica has been heart-stopping. If football is inherently unpredictable, what has been experienced in the corridors of Luz and on pitches across Europe resembles more a suspense movie script than a straightforward sports campaign. Between the euphoria of August and the pragmatism of December, the Benfica universe has experienced it all: trophies lifted, farewells, painful defeats, and high-profile arrivals. Essentially, a rollercoaster of emotions.

In this in-depth article, with the help of Manuela Almeida Carvalho, Glorioso 1904 dissects the key moments, protagonists, and behind-the-scenes of a season that promises to be decided in a photo finish.

Bruno Lage's Swan Song: The Super Cup and the Illusion

The season began under the sign of continuity, or at least the attempt of it. Bruno Lage started 2025/26 with the mission to restore Benfica's hegemony. And the start couldn't have been more promising. Winning the Cândido de Oliveira Super Cup, in a high-voltage duel against their eternal rival, served as an adrenaline "shot" for the Benfica nation.

At that moment, the team seemed to have found balance. Qualification for the Champions League group stage was secured, ensuring vital millions for the financial health of the SAD and keeping the club's international prestige intact. There was a sense that the project was solid, based on a mix of "youth and maturity" that many analysts praised.

However, football is ruthless, and the honeymoon was short. The wear and tear of processes, combined with some intermittent results in the league, began to create cracks in confidence. The team, which at times seemed to play a "patient" football in building from the back, started to become predictable for low-block opponents. Lage's departure, justified by some for electoral reasons, gave way to a very high-profile return.

The Mourinho Earthquake: The Return of the "Special One"

If Lage's departure was a shock, the choice of successor was an earthquake. José Mourinho's landing at Portela to take over the technical command of Benfica stopped the country. The most titled Portuguese coach ever, with his monstrous resume and aura of invincibility, accepted the challenge of bringing back European and national glory to the eagles.

With Mourinho's arrival, a genuine revolution was expected, but so far, it hasn't happened. The Setúbal-born coach quickly identified the squad's shortcomings and strengths.

Europe as a Pebble in the Shoe

The Champions League campaign has so far fallen short of the expectations of a European giant like Benfica. Despite the victory against Ajax, which keeps the flame alive, a miracle is needed for the eagles to advance.

The criticism points to the difficulty in managing the pace against possession teams, sometimes exposing the defense to quick transitions. However, it is fair to say that the new Champions League format does not forgive slips, and Benfica has felt the physical demands of playing every three days at the highest level.

Liga Portugal: The "Hunt for the Lion"

The National Championship is Benfica's main priority. With Porto currently leading, Mourinho's Benfica wants to end Sporting's recent hegemony, and the derby next Friday is a great opportunity for that.

Those following this dimension end up consulting platforms that gather information about legal bookmakers in Portugal, where the Portuguese team MightyTips has organized them, presenting entry bonuses, available markets, and comparisons that help read the game also from a statistical perspective.

The Benfica team has shown remarkable resilience in high-difficulty games, as seen, for example, in the trip to Dragão, where a defeat would have practically put José Mourinho's team out of the title race.

The focus is now on the eternal derby. The upcoming Benfica - Sporting (scheduled for December 5) is not just a game; it is an early final. Mourinho has prepared the game in detail. Beating the rival at Luz would be the ideal tonic to launch the team into a demolishing second half.

X-ray of the Protagonists: Who's Holding the Ship?

In a vast and rich squad, there are figures that stand out and shape the team's identity.

January Market: The Silent Revolution

With the winter transfer window approaching, rumors intensify, and the structure works behind the scenes. The name on everyone's lips is Rafa Silva. The saga of the prodigal son's return, dissatisfied in Turkey, promises to enliven January. The player's desire to return to Benfica is a trump card that Rui Costa tries to play, knowing Mourinho would appreciate the speed of the Portuguese "can opener."

With Dodi Lukebakio's injury, Benfica's need to go to the market for two wingers has become even more pressing. Besides men for the wings, José Mourinho has already defined the need for a left-back (despite José Neto being an option) and another forward.

The strategy is clear: surgical adjustments. The squad has quality but needs fine-tuning to attack on all fronts. The market value of the team maintains an upward trend, due to the appreciation of its assets, and the SAD does not want to miss that train.

The Verdict: All or Nothing

December assumes particular importance for Benfica. The derby against Sporting is just the starting point. The clashes against Napoli (Champions League), Moreirense, Famalicão, Braga (all for Liga Portugal Betclic), and the visit to Farense's ground (which could dictate another confrontation with Porto) are some of the key points of the red Christmas period.

The recent victory on Nacional's ground, with two goals near the end of the match, may have been the turning point of Benfica's season. José Mourinho intends to 'survive' until January, to reinforce the squad with surgical reinforcements and bring glory back to Estádio da Luz.

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