SL Benfica 1985 – 86 Maglia Storica Calcio

The 1985-86 campaign brought a new Benfica coach in Englishman John Mortimore and a firm attempt to wrest back the title from Porto. Leading the table for much of the season, a 2-1 loss in the penultimate championship round to Sporting Clube saw Porto jump ahead of the Eagles and snatch the title. There was still silverware to celebrate however as Benfica retained the Taca de Portugal after defeating city neighbours Belenenses in the final.

The increasingly prolific Danish striker Michael Manniche was Benfica’s main source of goals again, though new signing, the Portugal international striker Rui Aguas, ran him close. Manuel Bento, Carlos Manuel and Minervino Pietra all made significant contributions during this campaign too, and this was the last season at the club for the long-serving veteran Nene.