Massive failure for the former champions. Fans are still wondering how could their team have lost this one after a solid 7-points lead. Benfica’s depressive form after lockdown was hard to understand.
Bruno Lage had all the credit after last season’s impressive comeback and title. This one didn’t start badly either, and things seemed heading for a second title in a row by the end of January.
However, the defeat at Dragão in February seemed to have shaken the team and questioned their confidence. A home defeat in the following round and things were not so well anymore.
Luckily, rivals Porto were also dropping points here and there. But things totally fell apart after the league restarted from lockdown. Benfica lost 10 points out of possible 15 in the first 5 rounds.
Lage didn’t resist this outrage drop of form and was loaded out. But it was already too late. The squad was already in deep depression and distance to leaders was too big.
The lack of quality on the squad was exposed. The massive amount received on João Felix’ transfer wasn’t well invested. Carlos Vinícius scored a few goals, but failed to impress; de Tomas was a big flop and winter signing Weigl failed to have an immediate impact.
Jorge Jesus arrived for next season, and a big revolution on the squad is expected. The team really needs it in order to be back at success.
