The rout (4-1) against FC Porto goes straight to the gallery, but there are other fantastic results for the Reds. From the hell of Munich to the heaven of Luz in four days
On Wednesday night, in Munich, against Bayern, in a game in the 4th round of the Champions League league stage, Bruno Lage experienced hell. No, it wasn’t beaten by the Germans, but it was crushed by German football and the defensive strategy it adopted. And, more than goals, he suffered criticism. From former players and coaches, to critics and fans, no one liked seeing Benfica play in defense, for the draw, and the majority of the Benfica family demanded an offensive and dominant team for the classic with FC Porto.
The result is in sight: a tremendous triumph, 4-1, a victory that had not been seen for decades — since April 30, 1972, then in the semi-finals of the Copa do Brasil, when the eagles coached by Jimmy Hagan thrashed, 6-0 , the dragons, with goals from Nené (2), Vítor Baptista (2), Artur Jorge and Valdemar (own goal); In relation to championship games, we need to go back to December 13, 1964, the day on which, with Elek Schwartz on the bench, Benfica won 4-0: José Augusto and Eusébio scored two goals each.
news-item-description ellipsis-2-line">Spectacular shot by the Argentine in the area, after a cross from Pavlidis
Bruno Lage therefore added another important result to his gallery, to his golden album, which already has a significant and quite varied number of notable marks in the Reds’ technical command. It all started, naturally, in 2018/19, with his first spell in Benfica’s main team, replacing Rui Vitória.
It was that season, in round 20, that he traveled to Alvalade and saw Benfica, led on the field by the talent of João Félix, score four goals (4-2) at the home of eternal rival Sporting. It was an important outcome for winning the title of national champion. In the following round, the 21st, I return to Luz to face Nacional and this duel would result in a double-digit result from other times: 10 to 0. Seferovic and Jonas scored twice, Grimaldo, Pizzi, Rúben Dias, Ferro, João Félix and Rafa scored the other goals.
On Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2019, another battle, but far from home and on a different front. In question, the first leg of the round of 16 of the Europa League, in Istanbul, Turkey, against Galatasaray. Historic triumph, Benfica’s first on Turkish soil, 2-1, goals from Salvio and Seferovic for the Reds, Florentino Luís’ first game as a starter for Benfica’s first team. The midfielder’s debut, from the bench, had taken place in the previous duel, the same as Nacional.
This season, a fourth result enters Lage’s gallery without discussion: in the 24th round, a visit to Estádio do Dragão, to face Sérgio Conceição’s FC Porto. Adrián Lopez gave the blue and whites an advantage, João Félix and Rafa turned the game around and gave Benfica a rare victory at home for their rivals. Lage left Dragão even closer to the title of national champion.
In 2019/20, a lot of things wouldn’t go right for the coach, who would end up leaving the technical command before the end of the season, but the start couldn’t have been better: thrashing (5-0) over Marcel Keizer’s Sporting, in the Super Cup .
Finally, 2024/25. Great entry into the league phase of the Champions League, with two victories, the second with the right to travel the world. Defeated, 4-0, by Diego Simeone’s tough Atlético de Madrid, an old-fashioned European night in Luz.
news-item-description ellipsis-2-line">Eagles coach satisfied with victory against Atl. Madrid
Now, yes, this Sunday’s game, the classic with FC Porto. The pressure was enormous, Bruno Lage’s position was far from comfortable, Benfica could play a lot of their championship in this match, and the outcome was perfect for the coach and the club. And by numbers that few would risk thinking about before the match. The coach (and Benfica) saw heaven, after the hell of Munich.
From Hell to Heaven: Benfica’s Rollercoaster Journey
Ah, football – the only soap opera where the plot twists often lead you on a real emotional rollercoaster, sometimes as thrilling as a comedian’s punchline!
The Dramatic Opener
So, let’s talk about Benfica’s recent titanic clash. Just days after facing the hellish day in Munich, where Bruno Lage found himself up against the German football machine, he was all set for a ‘classic’ with FC Porto. Now, we can all agree that when you hear ‘classico,’ you expect fireworks. But instead, just days earlier, it was more like watching a national treasure go on a bizarre holiday without a plan — chaotic, confusing, and you’re just left wondering, ‘How did we end up here?’
Hell in Munich
Now, nothing brings out the critics quite like a defensively minded game, especially when you’re Benfica. Friends, former players, coaches, and even the fans began to sharpen their pitchforks! Can you imagine the scene? Fans watching their team play defensively like they were on a survival course, going ‘It’s not the way to earn a glory!’ As if they were waiting for Bruno to pop out and say, ‘Surprise! We’re actually training for a game of dodgeball!’ But alas, this was football, and the only thing dodging was the attacking spirit!
A Historic Triumph
Then came the match day with FC Porto, and oh, what a comeback! With a resounding 4-1 scoreline, the Reds delivered a performance that looked like it was pulled straight out of a nostalgic footballing fairy tale. You remember those days, right? The days that crowned an absolute thrashing without breaking a sweat. It was a throwback, and I’m not talking about a normal throwback; I mean a real blast from the past — something you might find in a dusty old photo album that your aunt insists on sharing at Thanksgiving!
In fact, the score brings us back to *1972* when Benfica sauced up FC Porto even harder, thumping them 6-0. I mean, if that doesn’t give you chills and cause a giggle, what will? And I’ll bet you next round, FC Porto sat down with a pint of beer, discussing their training regime. ‘Maybe we should just work on our dodging skills…’
The Journey to Glory
Bruno Lage certainly has a tricky job. He’s like a juggler at the circus, only the balls are shaped like vicious media criticism and expectations from fans. But you’ve got to admire how he pulls through. It’s like when you take an unexpected route on a road trip—at times it feels like you’re simply circling around, but when you finally hit that destination, it makes the shared stories so much richer. This 4-1 victory is certainly one for the memoirs; it adds to a gallery of monumental achievements during Lage’s time.
Conclusion: Football’s Great Reunion
Now that match against Porto wasn’t just any win; it was a musical crescendo in a symphony of redemption! It’s always about the sweet taste of victory after you’ve had your fill of humiliation. Benfica climbed the ranks, leaving Munich in the dust and Porto eating their hearts out!
In football, as they say, you go from hell to heaven faster than you can say ‘Kick off!’ So, we all wait with bated breath to see what Lage and his team will think of next. Just remember: a good manager knows when to attack and when to dodge; a great manager knows how to make both look like punchlines in a stand-up routine! Cheers to another outrageous season!
The stunning 4-1 victory against FC Porto will undoubtedly be remembered for years to come, serving as a highlight in a season filled with ups and downs for the Reds. In just four days, the team transitioned from the distressing experience in Munich to a euphoric win in Luz.
On Wednesday night, in Munich, during the fourth round of the Champions League group stage, Bruno Lage faced what could only be described as a nightmare scenario. His squad didn’t just lose to Bayern; they were utterly dominated by the German side’s prowess and tactical discipline. The match did not end with just goals conceded; it also sparked a wave of criticism that came crashing down on Lage. Former players, coaches, and even fans expressed their discontent over Benfica’s overly defensive approach, which was meant to secure a draw, but ultimately left the fanbase yearning for a more aggressive and assertive performance in the upcoming classic against FC Porto.
The outcome of the FC Porto match speaks volumes: a remarkable 4-1 triumph that showcased an unprecedented level of success for the club, a result not witnessed in decades. The last time Benfica secured such a commanding win over Porto was on April 30, 1972, during the semi-finals of the Copa do Brasil, where they delivered a resounding 6-0 defeat that included goals from iconic players like Nené and Vítor Baptista. Tracing back to championship games, you would have to go as far back as December 13, 1964, to find a similar feat, when Benfica, under the guidance of Elek Schwartz, triumphed with a 4-0 victory, powered by two goals each from José Augusto and the legendary Eusébio.
Bruno Lage has now added yet another remarkable achievement to his growing collection of significant results during his tenure with Benfica. Since taking the reins of the team in the 2018/19 season, Lage has delivered unforgettable performances, beginning with a notable 4-2 victory over Sporting at their home ground, Alvalade, led by the incredible João Félix. Not only was that match pivotal for securing the national championship title, but it also set the stage for a stunning return against Nacional, where the team scored a jaw-dropping ten goals—an echo of glories from years gone by.
On Valentine’s Day in 2019, Lage achieved a historic feat by leading Benfica to a 2-1 victory over Galatasaray in Istanbul, marking the club’s first-ever win on Turkish soil—a triumph highlighted by goals from Salvio and Seferovic. This match also marked an important milestone for Florentino Luís, who made his debut as a starter for the team.
This season, Lage’s record continues to shine as he secured a significant victory in the 24th round against FC Porto at Estádio do Dragão, where Benfica managed to overturn an initial deficit and claim a much-needed win that brought them closer to the championship crown. Despite facing challenges in the 2019/20 season that ultimately led to his departure before the season concluded, Lage had kicked off that year with a stunning 5-0 victory over Sporting in the Super Cup, setting a high bar from which he aimed to build upon.
In the current season of 2024/25, Benfica’s entry into the Champions League group stage has been promising, with two consecutive victories, the most notable being a triumphant 4-0 win against the formidable Atlético de Madrid, highlighting the team’s European aspirations.
This Sunday marked a crucial moment for Lage and Benfica, entering the match against FC Porto under immense pressure. The outcome was nothing short of perfect, emerging from the shadows of Munich to bask in the glory of their triumph, allowing the coach and fans alike to revel in a well-deserved moment of joy.
Continuing into the current campaign where he has already clinched pivotal victories against rival teams. This latest triumph not only heightened the stakes of Benfica’s season but also served as a powerful testament to Lage’s resilience and ability to turn frustrations into successes.
As the season progresses, fans and critics alike will be watching closely to see if Benfica can maintain the momentum built from this impressive performance. The dramatic shift from the despair experienced in Munich to the elation of a resounding victory against FC Porto illustrates the unpredictable nature of football – a game that can shift dramatically within mere days, revealing new narratives filled with hope, redemption, and the possibility of glory.
With this classic win under their belts, the Eagles will be looking to build on their success and continue their quest for a championship title, an endeavor that feeds the passion of their dedicated supporters and the hungry expectations of their management. Bruno Lage, amidst the twists and turns of this rollercoaster season, remains a central figure in pushing for that elusive trophy, reminding everyone why, despite the lows, football is often celebrated as the beautiful game.
As the anticipation builds for future matches, one thing remains clear: Benfica is ready to soar high towards more victories, riding the euphoric wave of their recent triumph. Football fans, buckle up! The journey has only just begun.
