Former parliament stalwart rues Benfica season, sets tone for 2026/27 | OneFootball

Benfica brought their 2025/26 season to a close with a win over Estoril, though it ultimately had a bittersweet taste. In the aftermath of the match in Amoreira, several figures linked to the Eagles’ universe reacted to the result and said the season did not go as planned, but expressed confidence for the new campaign.

“If we had always played like this, we would have been champions. I had already missed those 15 minutes of Benfica football, because that’s the only way it makes sense: to win and put on a show for a crowd that deserves it so much. Great game from the whole team, especially Schjelderup, and a special word for Pizzi, who gave so much to the club and who today got the farewell he so richly deserved. You can order the banners, because next year, we will be the champions!,” said Duarte Marques, former member of parliament.

“The first half was all Benfica. The three goals scored could easily have been six. In the second half, Benfica came out slower, although they still had chances to extend the lead. Estoril fought well in the final minutes and were rewarded with a goal. Benfica finish the league in third place, but with a sense of mission accomplished. An entire season without a defeat, we deserved better,” added Yolanda Coluna, speaking to Record newspaper.

“Benfica controlled the first half, especially in the opening 15 minutes. After that, it was the Benfica we have been seeing for quite some time now: without spark, without enthusiasm, without anything that can justify a Benfica team. The second half was an incredible apathy that is hard to understand,” said former Benfica director José Gaspar Ramos.

It should be remembered that Benfica ended the season with a win against Estoril. However, dependent on Sporting’s result — who beat Gil Vicente —, the Reds failed to qualify for the Champions League, finishing the league in third place with 80 points, which grants access to the Europa League.

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