Overview
- Benfica were knocked out of the Allianz Cup after a 3-1 semi-final defeat to Braga in Leiria, having trailed 2-0 at halftime.
- Nicolás Otamendi was sent off late, leaving Benfica to finish with 10 men as the loss ended their 11-match unbeaten run under José Mourinho.
- Mourinho said the squad would sleep at the Seixal training ground for the next few days, adding he hopes players "don't sleep" and reflect.
- He criticised a "monologue" in the dressing room, labelled the first half "horrible," and said Benfica "deserved to lose," offering an apology to Braga and coach Carlos Vicens.
- Attention now turns to Wednesday’s Portuguese Cup quarter-final away to FC Porto, with Benfica third in the league and around 10 points off the top.