'Invincibles' But No UCL? Jose Mourinho's Benfica Go Undefeated Yet Lose Out

Last Updated:May 17, 2026, 08:35 IST

Mourinho completed an unbeaten league season with Benfica, but still missed UCL qualification as Real Madrid rumours intensify.

Jose Mourinho has achieved almost everything football has to offer — UEFA Champions League titles. League crowns across Europe. Historic treble-winning campaigns. Record-breaking seasons.

And now, somehow, he has added one of the strangest achievements of his career to the list.

Mourinho has guided Benfica through an entire Primeira Liga season unbeaten… and still failed to qualify for the Champions League.

Mourinho’s Invincible Season Ends In Frustration

Benfica wrapped up their league campaign with a 3-1 victory over Estoril on the final day, confirming an extraordinary unbeaten record of 23 wins, 11 draws and ZERO losses.

But those 11 draws ultimately proved fatal.

Despite finishing the campaign undefeated on 80 points, Benfica ended up third in the table — eight points behind champions FC Porto and two behind second-placed Sporting CP.

And in Portugal’s brutal qualification structure, that matters a lot — only Porto secured direct entry into next season’s Champions League, while Sporting grabbed the qualifying-round spot.

This meant that Benfica was left settling for Europa League football.

Real Madrid Return Edging Closer

The irony is that Mourinho’s final Benfica game may already have arrived.

According to multiple reports, the Portuguese manager is now in advanced negotiations to return to Real Madrid, 13 years after leaving the Santiago Bernabeu.

The 63-year-old only joined Benfica on a two-year contract last September, but Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is believed to see Mourinho as the man capable of restoring order after another chaotic and trophyless campaign.

Madrid failed to win La Liga, fell short in Europe against reigning champions PSG and endured another turbulent season behind the scenes.

But, of course, Jose is no stranger to the bright lights of the Bernebeu.

During his first spell between 2010 and 2013, Mourinho delivered one of the greatest domestic campaigns in Spanish football history, guiding Madrid to 100 points and setting records for wins and away victories in a single La Liga season.

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