The international press highlighted this Saturday in online editions the conquest of the 38th national soccer title by Benfica, from the mention that “the champion has returned”, to a recovery of the throne in Portugal.
The Brazilians of Globo Esporte resorted to the expression “the champion has returned”, used by the reds in the 2019 title, to mark the conquest this Saturday, after beating relegated Santa Clara 3-0 on the last day.
“The champion returns! Benfica beats Santa Clara and wins the Portuguese title after four years,” the newspaper underlined, recalling that the Lisbon club has the Brazilians Lucas Veríssimo, Gilberto, David Neres and Morato.
In the same vein, the Spanish newspaper Marca highlights that Benfica recovered “the Portuguese throne”.
“Benfica did not falter against a packed Luz and won the Portuguese League”, says the digital edition of the Spanish newspaper, recalling that FC Porto clung to the comeback until the last, but that the eagles took advantage of the first half of the time.
The renowned French newspaper L’Équipe limited itself to pointing out that Benfica, which had not won since 2019, reached its 38th title, after beating Santa Clara (3-0).
From Norway and Austria, the press links Aursnes, fundamental in Benfica’s campaign, and Roger Schmidt, the first German coach to be champion in the Reds.
“Fredrik Aursnes is champion of the Portuguese league with Benfica,” says the Norwegian tabloid VG.
In the online edition, VG recalls that it is the midfielder’s first season at the Lisbon club and that he “takes the gold” as soon as he makes his debut.
“Casper Tengstedt (Denmark) and Andreas Schjelderup (Norway) were on Benfica’s bench for the whole game on Saturday. And in 2004/05, Azar Karadas [também norueguês] he came out champion with Benfica”, recalls the newspaper.
The work of Roger Schmidt also deserves attention from Austria, where he had been champion with Salzburg, and from the Netherlands, where he left for Benfica
“Schmidt leads Benfica to its 38th title in Portugal. He becomes the first German coach to win the Portuguese football championship. Thanks to a comfortable 3-0 victory in the last game of the season against Santa Clara, the coach 56 years ago, he won his first league title with Benfica”, refers the Austrian Kronen Zeitung.
The newspaper highlights that Benfica, record holder of national titles in Portugal, reached its 38th, but that is the second of Schmidt’s career, after being Austrian champion with Salzburg in 2014.
The Dutchman De Telegraf is also looking for the title in Luz, recalling that “the former coach of PSV Eindhoven, Roger Schmidt, won the title with Benfica”.
This Saturday, Benfica was crowned champion of Portuguese football for the 38th time, after beating Santa Clara, 3-0, at home, in a game of the 34th and last day of the Portuguese First League.
Needing a win to mathematically secure the title, Benfica scored through Gonçalo Ramos (7 minutes), Rafa (28) and Grimaldo (60), from the penalty spot.
After a three-season drought, the reds once again celebrated a national title, finishing the I Liga with 87 points, two more than FC Porto.
Source: TSF
