After a disappointing start of season, sitting in 4th place with 7 points distance to leaders by the 15th round, no one could imagine how convincingly Benfica would be claiming the title.
And all it took was to bring the unknown Bruno Lage on board to replace Rui Vitória in the dugout. Lage had an immediate impact, changing quite a few things on the team’s style, formation and lineup.
One of the biggest changes was the introducton of João Félix on the starting lineup, who instantly became a star reference on the team’s attack, forming a surprisingly effective duo with the then out casted Swiss Seferovic.
With Bruno Lage in command, Benfica won 18 matches in 19 played, only drawing with Belenenses, in March. An impressive combination of absolute speed in attack and high tempo pressing were the key for this amazing five months.
Having a pre-season to implement all his ideas from the start and to form a squad better suited to his style will make the fans salivate on the prospect of an even better year.
Felix proved in five months that he is one of the biggest talents for the next decade in world football. Pizzi was key in midfield. Gabriel, Samaris and Seferovic were resurrected by the new coach. Rafa had his absolute best season.
