62-Year-Old Mourinho in Trouble: Benfica 10 Points Behind Leaders After 16 Rounds, Last Season Lost Title by 2 Points

In the early hours of December 30, a key Primeira Liga clash saw leaders Porto comfortably defeat bottom-side AVS 2-0 at home, extending their winning streak to eight games. Porto now lead the table by 5 points over second place and 10 over third, practically securing the title. The match highlighted Porto’s dominance, with 70% possession, 15 shots (4 on target), and goals in the 48th and 64th minutes.

Benfica, under José Mourinho, faces a more worrying picture. After 16 rounds, they remain unbeaten with 10 wins and 6 draws. While respectable, this record still leaves them 10 points behind Porto. Last season, Benfica missed out on the league title by just 2 points, and this year the challenge appears even steeper. Whether Mourinho can turn things around in his first season at Benfica remains uncertain.

Mourinho last won a trophy in 2022, leading Roma to the Europa Conference League title. In the past four years, he has not added any silverware. Yesterday, Benfica was held to a draw, prompting Mourinho to lash out at the referee, claiming victory was stolen. The Portuguese tactician’s season continues to be fraught with challenges and pressure.