Despite a last ditch goal at the Estádio do Dragão from Porto's Kelvin, Benfica fans thought they had seen it all. How much worst could it really get? After Wednesday's match in Amsterdam, things got much worst for the Lisbon giants.
Taking a look back at their season, Jorge Jesus looked destined to claim at least one title, if not maybe two, but after their last two matches, even their Taça de Portugal match against Guimarães does not look promising.
Fans will ask how it is possible to concede two decisive goals in the final minute of a match, and while there is not a specific answer to that question, lack of experience and focus may well have been a main contributor.
Trying to bounce back from both these losses will be far from easy for Benfica, especially knowing that the Portuguese League title is no longer dependent of just their result.
In order to claim their 33rd Portuguese League title and 2nd with Jorge Jesus in his four year stint at the Estádio da Luz, Benfica needs to defeat Moreirense at home, and hope for Paços de Ferreira to not lose against Porto at the Mata Real.
Benfica's record at home against Moreirense will at least give them some hope of grabbing the full three points, but the visitors are in a tight relegation battle, so a victory is a must for them.
Winless in their last four visits to the Estádio da Luz, Moreirense could really benefit from a very frustrating moment within the Benfica squad, but as they showed last night when the team returned from Amsterdam, the Benfica fans will be out to show their support on Sunday
Looking For A Helping Hand
During the 2004/05, Benfica and Porto went into the final match of the season with three points separating them. At the time, Giovanni Trapattoni's side had to take on Boavista, while Porto hosted Academica de Coimbra. Benfica was first, but if they were to lose, coupled with a Porto win, the Águias would fall into second, handing their rivals the title.
Many expected Porto to make quick work of Academica, especially at home, but things did not work out the way they planned.
Benfica took the lead from a Simão Sabrosa penalty kick, but Boavista grabbed an equalizer through Eder. At the time, the Benfica staff, fans and players knew well that just across town, Porto was leading Academica with a goal from Ibson in the 60th minute. Any mental lapse could result in a goal from Boavista, moving Porto into first place.
The match was coming to a close and the Benfica fans were stuck in between cerebrating and a very nervous feeling, not knowing what the final minutes would offer them.
Saving the day for the Lisbon side was Jeano from Academica who took advantage of a mistake and leveled things at the Dragão in the 90th minute, allowing Benfica fans to breath a sigh of relief.
On Sunday, Benfica fans will be in a similar situation, except this time they are in second place. Paços de Ferreira has only lost one match at home this season and it was against Benfica. They have been a pleasant surprise in the Portuguese League and last week they booked a place in the qualifying round of the Champions League.
With nothing to play for other than pride in their final match at home, Paços de Ferreira could spoil the party for Porto, but that would also depend on if Benfica can take care of business against Moreirense at home. Regardless of the final results, the Portuguese League could be in for one of the most historic and thrilling finishes in years.
Will Benfica be able to take care of business at home against Moreirense, leaving their fate in the hands of Paços de Ferreira?
