Benfica: Jose Mourinho’s team on course for unbeaten campaign but miss out on title

Mourinho and Benfica will surely view this season as a missed opportunity – although an invincible campaign would be some solace.

They could even finish third given they are only three points ahead of Sporting, who have a game in hand and a supeerior goal difference.

Portuguese sports publication A Bola, external said Benfica had “gifted” rivals Porto 12 points, after letting a lead slip in six of their 10 draws.

However, after seeing their title hopes disappear following a 2-2 draw at Famalicao on Saturday, Benfica president Rui Costa instead took aim at the officials.

“No-one has the right to decide who wins championships or who goes to the Champions League other than the players and coaches on the field, and what happened here today was not that,” Costa said.

Costa complained that Famalicao were unfairly awarded a penalty, while their second goal “came from a corner which wasn’t a corner”.

“It unequivocally explains what this referee came here to do today. Trying to make sure Benfica got beaten here.”

Portuguese sports newspaper Record, external has reported that the Portuguese Association of Football Referees will file a complaint against Costa after his comments.

Mourinho, who was also unhappy with the officiating in Saturday’s match, said: “This game is a good reflection of what has happened in this championship.”

The Portuguese manager has been one of the names linked to the Real Madrid job in the summer if the Spanish club decide to part ways with Alvaro Arbeloa.

However, O Jogo report, external that Benfica are set to offer Mourinho a new contract this week.