José Mourinho and Benfica completed the Portuguese Primeira Liga season unbeaten but missed out on a place in the Champions League.
Benfica’s 3-1 win at Estoril on the final day of the season on Saturday confirmed their invincible status after 34 games. However, their 11 draws meant they finished third in the standings, behind champions FC Porto and runners-up Sporting CP.
Portugal gets one direct place in Europe‘s premier competition with a second team entering the qualifying rounds.
Three goals inside 16 minutes helped put Mourinho’s side on the path to victory to wrap up the campaign.
Read more:Álvaro Arbeloa on ‘number one’ José Mourinho: I’d welcome him home to Real Madrid
Richard Ríos scored a seventh-minute opener before Alexander Bah and Rafa struck in quick succession to secure three points in in what could be Mourinho’s final match in charge.
Mourinho has emerged as a contender to return to Real Madrid for a second spell as head coach next season, with ESPN reporting that he is the leading candidate on a three-man shortlist.
The former Chelsea and Manchester United boss, 63, is tied to Benfica until June 2027 but has a clause in his contract that would allow him or the Portuguese club to terminate the deal at the end of this season.
Speaking before Saturday’s game, Mourinho insisted that his future would not be determined by whether Benfica made it to next season’s Champions League.
Read more:Man Utd clinches UCL spot with win over Liverpool
“I’m talking about Benfica, you’re talking about Real,” he told reporters. “As far as I’m concerned, the work we’ve been doing won’t change whether we finish second or third. That’s not what will make the difference.
“Of course Benfica wants to play in the Champions League and I’d prefer that too, but it has no bearing on the decision.”
Mourinho took over at Benfica last September, three weeks after he left Fenerbahce following an exit from the Champions League qualifying playoffs — at Benfica.
PA contributed to this report.
