José Mourinho is facing early pressure at Benfica after his side were held to a 1-1 draw by Rio Ave, a result that leaves the Lisbon club trailing in the Primeira Liga title race.
Benfica looked set for a crucial win at the Estadio da Luz before conceding a stoppage-time equalizer that stunned home fans and denied Mourinho back-to-back victories since taking charge. The draw leaves the Eagles four points behind league leaders and intensifies questions about their ability to compete for the championship.
Despite dominating possession and creating several chances, Benfica struggled to turn control into goals. Mourinho, visibly frustrated after the final whistle, blamed officiating for the result, accusing the referee of lacking authority and criticizing key VAR decisions.
The Portuguese media were less forgiving. Leading sports papers O Jogo, Record, and A Bola criticized Benfica for lacking identity and creativity despite heavy investment during the summer transfer window. Commentators argued that the team’s performance failed to match the expectations that accompanied Mourinho’s appointment.
The timing could hardly be worse for the former Real Madrid, Chelsea, and Roma boss. Benfica’s presidential elections are approaching, adding a layer of political pressure to the club’s footballing struggles. A high-stakes derby against arch-rivals FC Porto looms, seen by many as an early test of Mourinho’s ability to steady the team and rally the fan base.
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Mourinho, one of Portugal’s most decorated managers, returned to domestic football with significant fanfare earlier this season, promising to restore Benfica’s dominance. However, the draw against Rio Ave has fuelled debate over whether his pragmatic style can deliver results in a league where attacking flair is often demanded by supporters.
For now, Benfica remain within touching distance of the title race, but patience among fans and pundits appears thin. The club’s leadership and its passionate supporters will expect a convincing response in the coming weeks, starting with the clash against Porto — a fixture that could set the tone for Mourinho’s tenure.
If results do not improve quickly, Mourinho’s short honeymoon period could give way to the type of intense scrutiny that has followed him in previous high-profile jobs across Europe.
Africa Daily News, New York
