After a long season, SL Benfica have finally clinched their 34th League Championship. It is their first back-to-back "Bi-Campeonato" since the 1983/84 when Benfica was coached by Sven Goran Erikson. A goalless draw in Guimaraes alongside a 1-1 result during the Belenenses vs FC Porto match was enough to give the Eagles what they have worked so hard for during the 2014/15 season and that is winning the Liga Nos Championship. Benfica fans around the world celebrated day through night and continue to celebrate this historic occasion. Being a supporter of this club for quite sometime, I was now able to enjoy the moment in witnessing a back-to-back championship as I was barley alive during their last "Bi-Campeonato"
CONTRIBUTING FACTORS
There may very well be 34 reasons as to why Benfica were able to win the "Bi-Campeonato" but here are 6 important factors which led to Benfica's 2014/15 titles winning season.
1) Jorge Jesus
- Although JJ was a lot less tame throughout this season, he still continued to do what he does best and that is coach Benfica. At the start of the season, Benfica was criticised for selling practically their entire squad and with SCP and FCP making big changes to their coaching staff and squad, many predicted that it was Benfica's title to lose. JJ was able to take his existing squad of such veterans as Maxi, Luisao, Nico Gaitan and turn such new players as Julio Cesar, Tallisca, Eliseu, Jonas, Pizzi and develop them all into key success stories of the season. JJ had the respect of the players, the organisation and of the fans. Although there was an early elimination of UEFA competitions and the Portugal Cup, winning the title back-to-back was the most important goal in which he was able to accomplish. Based on his performance JJ deserves to stay at Benfica because as of right now, there is no coach greater then JJ in Portugal for the Portuguese League.
2) The Fans
- There is a reason as to why Benfica have not lost a League home match since matchday #20 of the 2011/12 season (March 2, 2012 3-2 to FC Porto) Benfica has some of the most loyal fans in the world, Benfica continues to hold the record with most supported registered fans in the world "sócio" with over 275, 000. At a time in which the economic crisis of Portugal continues, Benfica's fans continue to have something positive to look forward to home and away. There were approximately 4000 fans who were at Guimaraes to witness Benfica win their 34th league title. During other important matches such as the Lima brace against FC Porto at the Estadio Do Dragao. The away games at Braga, Sporting, wherever Benfica plays it's fans are there.
3) The Media Good & Bad
- The Media has always played a role in Benfica's success this year. Whether it was the live broadcasting of JJ's sometimes comical press conferences, the excellent broadcasting of Benfica TV who only recently became available in North America, or such tabloid blundering from SIC, O Record, or any other "Anti-Benfica" media coverage, good or bad as the saying goes "Any advertising good or bad is still advertising."
4) The President
- After almost 12 year as Benfica's President, Luis Filipe Viera continues to prove to the fans that he is the right man for the job. The Seixal, Benfica TV are just a few of the many examples of LFV continued success at the club.
- Very rarely over the last few decades can Benfica hold their head up high and go an entire season without losing a game to FC Porto. A draw is a favourable result which occured on April 26 (scoreless) but an unfavourable result occurred on December 13, 2014 when Benfica defeated FC Porto 2-0. A victory away to FC Porto rarely occurs especially in league competition when a precious 3 points were gained allowing Benfica to continue in first place. A position in which they constantly remained at since Match day #5. Defeating FC Porto gives an advantage in not only the standings but in a mental aspect. The team's confidence begins to glow and it almost makes Benfica believe that if they can beat FC Porto, (the supposed best team in Portugal) then they can beat any team in Portugal.
6) Team Unity
- All in all when you look back at the 2014/15 season Benfica's players on and off the pitch had a real sense of unity. Luisao, Maxi, the veteran team mates were able to welcome such new talents as Tallisca, and Jonathan Rodriguez into the squad. Jonas, and Julio Cesar looked as though they have been a part of Benfica for several seasons by their celebrations and interviews. It appears as though Benfica is one big happy family which was a point in which several of the Benfica wives and family emphasized during the title win in Guimaraes.
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