Intercontinental Cup Runner-up 1962

Lore & Background

Founded on 28 February 1904 as Sport Lisboa, Benfica is one of the 'Big Three' clubs in Portugal that have never been relegated from Primeira Liga. They are nicknamed As Águias (The Eagles) and Os Encarnados (The Reds). Their home ground has been the Estádio da Luz since 2003. Benfica is the most supported Portuguese club and the European club with the highest percentage of supporters in its own country. The club's anthem is 'Ser Benfiquista', and its motto is 'E pluribus unum'.

In Their Own Story

The rain fell softly on the stands of Estádio da Luz, but inside, the heat was unbearable. Thousands of voices rose in unison as Eusébio sprinted down the wing, chasing a ball that seemed to defy gravity. The crowd held its breath, hoping for redemption after Rio. When the final whistle blew, the silence was heavy, broken only by the distant chant of 'Santos'. Yet, amidst the disappointment, pride swelled in every chest; they had fought the King and lived.

Reader's Guide

Benfica has won 88 major trophies, including a record 38 Primeira Liga titles, a record 26 Taça de Portugal, a record 8 Taça da Liga, 10 Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira, and 3 Campeonato de Portugal. Internationally, they won the Latin Cup in 1950 and back-to-back European Cups in 1961 and 1962. They were runners-up at the Intercontinental Cup in 1961 and 1962.

Did You Know?

• Benfica were runners-up at the Intercontinental Cup in 1961 and 1962.