:2005–06 S.L. Benfica season
{{good article}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2015}}
{{Infobox football club season
|club = Benfica
|season = 2005–06
|chrtitle = President
|chairman = Luís Filipe Vieira
|mgrtitle = Head coach
|manager = Ronald Koeman
|stadium = Estádio da Luz
|league = Primeira Liga
|league result = 3rd
|cup1 = Taça de Portugal
|cup1 result = Quarter-finals
|cup2 = Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira
|cup2 result = Winners
|cup3 = UEFA Champions League
|cup3 result = Quarter-finals
|league topscorer = Nuno Gomes (15)
|season topscorer = Nuno Gomes (17)
|highest attendance = {{nowrap|65,000 v Barcelona}}
(28 March 2006)
|lowest attendance = 18,000 v Nacional
(8 February 2006)
|average attendance =
|largest win = Benfica 4–0 União de Leiria
(18 September 2005)
|largest loss = 2 goal difference in 6 matches
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The 2005–06 European football season was the 102nd season of Sport Lisboa e Benfica's existence and the club's 72nd consecutive season in the top flight of Portuguese football. The season ran from 1 July 2005 to 30 June 2006; Benfica competed domestically in the Primeira Liga and the Taça de Portugal and also participated in the UEFA Champions League as a result of finishing first in the Primeira Liga the previous season.
After Giovanni Trapattoni led Benfica to their first league title in 11 years, he resigned for personal reasons. To replace him, the club hired Ronald Koeman, who was assisted by Bruins Slot and Fernando Chalana. Benfica remained highly active in the transfer market, signing and releasing over twelve players. Noticeable additions were Anderson, Léo and Nélson to the back four; Karagounis and Miccoli to the offence. The departures included Miguel, the biggest loss.
Benfica started the domestic season by winning their fourth Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira, beating Vitória de Setúbal one-nil. In the Primeira Liga, Benfica struggled initially, making their worst entry ever. Results improved following a European win against Lille, with Benfica climbing several places and defeating Porto in the Clássico. In late October, the team experienced a drop in form, going a month without a win. In December, Benfica's results improved in December, qualifying for the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League for the first time in eleven years and winning nearly ten matches in a row, allowing them to get within three points of the top of the league.
In the final match of January, Benfica lost to Sporting CP and underwent another erratic period, losing two more league matches in February. A home win against Liverpool motivated them; they beat Porto and eliminated the reigning title-holders from the Champions League. This success was not replicated domestically; in mid-March, Benfica lost further ground in the Primeira Liga and were eliminated from the Portuguese Cup. Koeman's side recovered, but they were eliminated by Barcelona from the Champions League and failed to overtake Sporting when they dropped seven points in three match-days. At the end of the season, Koeman left the club by mutual consent.
Season summary
=Pre-season=
After leading Benica to their first league title in ten seasons, Giovanni Trapattoni departed the club for personal reasons.{{cite news|title=Adeus campeão|trans-title=Goodbye Champion|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/adeus-campeao.html|access-date=4 January 2016|work=Record|date=1 June 2005|language=pt|archive-date=6 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160206060925/http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/adeus-campeao.html|url-status=live}} Faced with the task of finding a new manager for a second year in a row, Luís Filipe Vieira was quick to choose Trapattoni's successor; on the 5 June 2005, he said, "I already know who's the next manager".{{cite news|title=Luís Filipe Vieira: "Já sei quem é o treinador"|trans-title=Luís Filipe Vieira: "I already know who's going to be the next manager"|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/luis-filipe-vieira-ja-sei-quem-e-o-treinador.html|access-date=4 January 2016|work=Record|date=5 June 2005|language=pt|archive-date=6 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160206042311/http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/luis-filipe-vieira-ja-sei-quem-e-o-treinador.html|url-status=live}} From the list of available managers, the press speculated on Paul Le Guen, Ronald Koeman and Javier Irureta.{{cite news|title=Concorrência por Le Guen|trans-title=Competition for Le Guen|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/concorrencia-por-le-guen.html|access-date=4 January 2016|work=Record|language=pt|archive-date=5 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160205183431/http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/concorrencia-por-le-guen.html|url-status=live}} After a failed approach to Le Guen,{{cite news|title=Contactos por Le Guen|trans-title=Contacts for Le Guen|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/contactos-por-le-guen.html|access-date=4 January 2016|work=Record|date=6 June 2005|language=pt|archive-date=6 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160206122653/http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/contactos-por-le-guen.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=Técnico está quase|trans-title=Manager is close|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/tecnico-esta-quase.html|access-date=4 January 2016|work=Record|date=7 June 2005|language=pt|archive-date=6 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160206053908/http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/tecnico-esta-quase.html|url-status=live}} Benfica selected Koeman as the next manager on 8 June 2005.{{cite news|title=Koeman já chegou|trans-title=Koeman has arrived|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/koeman-ja-chegou.html|access-date=4 January 2016|work=Record|date=8 June 2005|language=pt|archive-date=13 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160213101107/http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/koeman-ja-chegou.html|url-status=live}} His assistant would be Tonny Bruins Slot,{{cite news|title=Bruins Slot é o adjunto|trans-title=Bruno Slot to assist|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/bruins-slot-e-o-adjunto.html|access-date=4 January 2016|work=Record|date=8 June 2005|language=pt|archive-date=5 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160205080045/http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/bruins-slot-e-o-adjunto.html|url-status=live}} replacing Álvaro Magalhães, who left the club after two seasons.{{cite news|title=Álvaro abandona a Luz|trans-title=Àlvaro leaves Da Luz|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/alvaro-abandona-a-luz.html|access-date=4 January 2016|work=Record|date=9 June 2005|language=pt|archive-date=6 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160206221510/http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/alvaro-abandona-a-luz.html|url-status=live}} Later in the month, Fernando Chalana returned to Benfica on a 2-year contract to serve on Koeman's technical staff.{{cite news|title=Chalana adjunto de Koeman|trans-title=Chalana to assist Koeman|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/chalana-adjunto-de-koeman.html|access-date=4 January 2016|work=Record|date=16 June 2005|language=pt|archive-date=7 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160207113447/http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/chalana-adjunto-de-koeman.html|url-status=live}}
File:Barreirense vs Benfica 2005.jpg
To replace the "Italian" style of Trapattoni, Koeman wanted Benfica to have a "Dutch" approach; he said, "A team like Benfica always has to play to win. In what I know of this team, we can perfectly play in a 4–3–3," and that finding the right balance between offence and defence in the playing style mattered.{{cite news|title=Ronald Koeman: "Benfica de ataque"|trans-title=Ronald Koeman: "Benfica in the offensive"|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/ronald-koeman-benfica-de-ataque.html|access-date=4 January 2016|work=Record|date=17 June 2005|language=pt|archive-date=7 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160207153542/http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/ronald-koeman-benfica-de-ataque.html|url-status=live}} Vital to his new formation, Koeman asked for more wingers, such as Andy van der Meyde,{{cite news|title=Van der Meyde: "Benfica contactou o meu empresário"|trans-title=Van de Meyde: "Benfica contacted my representative."|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/van-der-meyde-benfica-contactou-o-meu-empresario.html|access-date=4 January 2016|work=Record|date=24 June 2005|language=pt|archive-date=6 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160206055416/http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/van-der-meyde-benfica-contactou-o-meu-empresario.html|url-status=live}} and Boudewijn Zenden,{{cite news|title=Zenden aguarda|trans-title=Zenden awaits|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/zenden-aguarda.html|access-date=4 January 2016|work=Record|date=14 June 2005|language=pt|archive-date=8 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160208052434/http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/zenden-aguarda.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=Pedido de Koeman|trans-title=Requests from Koeman|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/pedido-de-koeman.html|access-date=4 January 2016|work=Record|date=23 June 2005|language=pt|archive-date=5 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160205074538/http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/pedido-de-koeman.html|url-status=live}} but Benfica did not sign them. Instead, he received attacking midfielders Diego Souza, Andrei Karyaka and Giorgos Karagounis.{{cite news|title=Diego: "Já assinei"|trans-title=Diego: "I've signed"|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/diego-ja-assinei.html|access-date=4 January 2016|work=Record|date=17 June 2005|language=pt|archive-date=14 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160214020119/http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/diego-ja-assinei.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=Karyaka vai ser águia por quatro épocas|trans-title=Karyaka will be Eagle for four years|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/karyaka-vai-ser-aguia-por-quatro-epocas.html|access-date=4 January 2016|work=Record|date=17 June 2005|language=pt|archive-date=8 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160208022323/http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/karyaka-vai-ser-aguia-por-quatro-epocas.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=Karagounis apresentado na Luz às 12.30 horas|trans-title=Karagounis presented in Da Luz at 12.30 hours|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/karagounis-apresentado-na-luz-as-1230-horas.html|access-date=4 January 2016|work=Record|date=30 August 2005|language=pt|archive-date=13 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160213023719/http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/karagounis-apresentado-na-luz-as-1230-horas.html|url-status=live}} To improve Koeman's options up-front, composed of Nuno Gomes and Mantorras, Benfica tried but failed to sign Jon Dahl Tomasson.{{cite news|title=Tomasson negociado|trans-title=Tomasson negociado|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/tomasson-negociado.html|access-date=4 January 2016|work=Record|date=14 July 2005|language=pt|archive-date=6 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160206023713/http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/tomasson-negociado.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=Ronald Koeman: "Ficar sem Tomasson foi um passo atrás"|trans-title=Ronald Koeman: "Losing Tomasson was a step back"|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/ronald-koeman-ficar-sem-tomasson-foi-um-passo-atras.html|access-date=4 January 2016|work=Record|date=18 July 2005|language=pt|archive-date=13 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160213142737/http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/ronald-koeman-ficar-sem-tomasson-foi-um-passo-atras.html|url-status=live}} Koeman instead received Italian international Fabrizio Miccoli on loan from Juventus.{{cite news|title=Miccoli apresentado|trans-title=Miccoli presented|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/miccoli-apresentado.html|access-date=4 January 2016|work=Record|date=31 August 2005|language=pt|archive-date=13 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160213144250/http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/miccoli-apresentado.html|url-status=live}} In defence, Benfica added Brazilians Anderson,{{cite news|title=Anderson: "Para ter sucesso"|trans-title=Anderson: "I want to succeed"|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/anderson-para-ter-sucesso.html|access-date=4 January 2016|work=Record|date=2 July 2005|language=pt|archive-date=6 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160206171333/http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/anderson-para-ter-sucesso.html|url-status=live}} Léo,{{cite news|title=Léo tem acordo por três épocas|trans-title=Leo has agreement for three years|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/leo-tem-acordo-por-tres-epocas.html|access-date=4 January 2016|work=Record|date=13 July 2005|language=pt|archive-date=8 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160208072505/http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/leo-tem-acordo-por-tres-epocas.html|url-status=live}} with Nélson{{cite news|title=Nélson: "Chegar e vencer"|trans-title=Nélson: "I want to start winning"|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/nelson-chegar-e-vencer.html|access-date=4 January 2016|work=Record|date=26 August 2005|language=pt|archive-date=6 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160206062434/http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/nelson-chegar-e-vencer.html|url-status=live}} replacing Miguel, who moved to Valencia.{{cite news|title=Miguel apresentado no Mestalla|trans-title=Miguel presented in Mestella|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/internacional/detalhe/miguel-apresentado-no-mestalla.html|access-date=4 January 2016|work=Record|date=22 August 2005|language=pt|archive-date=8 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160208092125/http://www.record.xl.pt/internacional/detalhe/miguel-apresentado-no-mestalla.html|url-status=live}}
The pre-season began on 4 July 2005 with medical exams,{{cite news|title=Miguel não se apresenta|trans-title=Miguel doesn't present himself|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/miguel-nao-se-apresenta.html|access-date=4 January 2016|work=Record|date=4 July 2005|language=pt|archive-date=8 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160208053942/http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/miguel-nao-se-apresenta.html|url-status=live}} followed by the first training session on the next day, with two thousand supporters present at the Estádio da Luz.{{cite news|title=Dois mil no primeiro treino oficial|trans-title=Two thousand on the first training session|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/dois-mil-no-primeiro-treino-oficial.html|access-date=4 January 2016|work=Record|date=5 July 2005|language=pt|archive-date=13 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160213145800/http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/dois-mil-no-primeiro-treino-oficial.html|url-status=live}} On 6 July, Benfica travelled to Nyon for a pre-season tour until 14 July.{{cite news|title=Encarnados partiram para estágio sem Miguel|trans-title=Eagles left for tour without Miguel|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/encarnados-partiram-para-estagio-sem-miguel.html|access-date=4 January 2016|work=Record|date=6 July 2005|language=pt|archive-date=5 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160205215032/http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/encarnados-partiram-para-estagio-sem-miguel.html|url-status=live}} During the eight days in Switzerland, Benfica defeated Sion and Étoile Carouge.{{cite news|title=Vitória no primeiro teste (2-1)|trans-title=Victory in the first test (2–1)|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/vitoria-no-primeiro-teste-2-1.html|access-date=4 January 2016|work=Record|date=10 July 2005|language=pt|archive-date=13 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160213070513/http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/vitoria-no-primeiro-teste-2-1.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=Encarnados vencem suíços do Carouge|trans-title=Benfica beats Swiss team, Carouge|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/encarnados-vencem-suicos-do-carouge.html|access-date=4 January 2016|work=Record|date=13 July 2005|language=pt|archive-date=7 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160207103416/http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/encarnados-vencem-suicos-do-carouge.html|url-status=live}} Back in Portugal, Benfica faced two Premier League opponents, losing to Chelsea,{{cite news|title=Benfica frente ao Chelsea: A concorrência é factor de progresso|trans-title=Benfica against Chelsea: Competition is progress|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/benfica-frente-ao-chelsea-a-concorrencia-e-factor-de-progresso.html|access-date=4 January 2016|work=Record|date=18 July 2005|language=pt|archive-date=13 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160213083601/http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/benfica-frente-ao-chelsea-a-concorrencia-e-factor-de-progresso.html|url-status=live}} and defeating West Bromwich.{{cite news|title=Benfica goleia WBA|trans-title=Benfica thrashes WBA|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/benfica-goleia-wba.html|access-date=4 January 2016|work=Record|date=22 July 2005|language=pt|archive-date=5 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160205200507/http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/benfica-goleia-wba.html|url-status=live}} Afterwards, Benfica played three Portuguese teams, winning against Barreirense and Estoril Praia,{{cite news|title=Barreirense-Benfica, 0-1: A sentença de Petit|trans-title=Barreirense-Benfica, 0–1: The sentence of Petit|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/barreirense-benfica-0-1-a-sentenca-de-petit.html|access-date=4 January 2016|work=Record|date=28 July 2005|language=pt|archive-date=6 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160206155814/http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/barreirense-benfica-0-1-a-sentenca-de-petit.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=Estoril-Benfica, 0-1 (Buba 83
=August–September=
Benfica began their season with the 2005 Super Cup, trying to win the trophy for the fourth time. On the 13 August, Benfica faced Vitória de Setúbal at the Estádio Algarve, winning 1–0 with a goal from Nuno Gomes.{{cite news|title=Benfica - V. Setúbal, 1-0: Uma vitória nada super|trans-title=Benfica-V. Setúbal, 1–0: No super win|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/v--setubal/detalhe/benfica---v-setubal-1-0-uma-vitoria-nada-super.html|access-date=4 January 2016|work=Record|date=14 August 2005|language=pt|archive-date=6 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160206112628/http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/v--setubal/detalhe/benfica---v-setubal-1-0-uma-vitoria-nada-super.html|url-status=live}} It was the first win in 15 years since 1989, breaking a five-time losing streak, all against Porto.{{cite news|title=Pontapé na maldição|trans-title=Kick to the curse|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/pontape-na-maldicao.html|work=Record|date=14 August 2005|language=pt|access-date=7 January 2016|archive-date=13 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160213204436/http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/pontape-na-maldicao.html|url-status=live}} Koeman praised his players, saying, "We played very well. I am happy with the work I have done with my players".{{cite news|title=Ronald Koeman: "Estivemos muito bem"|trans-title=Koeman: "We played very well"|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/ronald-koeman-estivemos-muito-bem.html|access-date=4 January 2016|work=Record|date=14 August 2005|language=pt|archive-date=7 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160207070247/http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/ronald-koeman-estivemos-muito-bem.html|url-status=live}} On 20 August, Benfica began their title defence with an away game at the Estádio Cidade de Coimbra. The home team, Académica, held the score to 0–0 and won a point against Benfica.{{cite news|title=Académica-Benfica, 0-0: Um campeão sem ideias|trans-title=Académica-Benfica, 0–0, A Champion without ideas|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/academica-benfica-0-0-um-campeao-sem-ideias.html|access-date=4 January 2016|work=Record|date=21 August 2005|language=pt|archive-date=6 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160206181352/http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/academica-benfica-0-0-um-campeao-sem-ideias.html|url-status=live}} After the match, Koeman said Benfica had struggled in Coimbra.{{cite news|title=Ronald Koeman: "Esta partida foi complicada"|trans-title=Koeman: "This match was very difficult for us"|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/ronald-koeman-esta-partida-foi-complicada.html|access-date=4 January 2016|work=Record|date=20 August 2005|language=pt|archive-date=6 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160206144254/http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/ronald-koeman-esta-partida-foi-complicada.html|url-status=live}} On 26 August, Benfica took part in the draw for the group stage of the 2005–06 UEFA Champions League; their first in the new century because they failed to qualify in the past two seasons. In 2005 the club ranked 57th in the UEFA coefficient,{{cite news|title=UEFA rankings for club competitions in 2005|url=https://www.uefa.com/memberassociations/uefarankings/club/season=2005/index.html|access-date=4 January 2016|work=UEFA|archive-date=18 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151218235417/http://www.uefa.com/memberassociations/uefarankings/club/season=2005/index.html|url-status=dead}} thus placing them on pot 4.{{cite news|title=Old and new meet in Monaco|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/01ac-0ea80475ea9e-604a23d0ab93-1000--old-and-new-meet-in-monaco/|access-date=4 January 2016|work=UEFA|date=25 August 2005|archive-date=24 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160124203106/http://www.uefa.com/news/newsid=329449.html|url-status=live}} They were drawn in Group D with Manchester United, Villarreal and Lille.{{cite news|title=Chelsea and Liverpool in clash of champions|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/2364302/Chelsea-and-Liverpool-in-clash-of-champions.html|access-date=4 January 2016|work=The Telegraph|date=26 August 2005|archive-date=11 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160311222910/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/2364302/Chelsea-and-Liverpool-in-clash-of-champions.html|url-status=live}} The following day, Benfica hosted Gil Vicente for their final match in August. An unusual 3–4–3 formation did not work as planned; Benfica lost 2–0 and posted their worst league start since 1976–77.{{cite news|title=Benfica-Gil Vicente, 0-2: Teatro de Gil é assim|trans-title=Benfica-Gil Vicente, 0–2: Gil's theatre is like this|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/benfica-gil-vicente-0-2-teatro-de-gil-e-assim.html|access-date=4 January 2016|work=Record|date=28 August 2005|language=pt|archive-date=14 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160214040158/http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/benfica-gil-vicente-0-2-teatro-de-gil-e-assim.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=Filme de terror na Luz|trans-title=Horror movie in Da Luz|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/filme-de-terror-na-luz.html|work=Record|date=29 August 2005|language=pt|access-date=7 January 2016|archive-date=7 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160207080306/http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/filme-de-terror-na-luz.html|url-status=live}} Koeman blamed anxiety in the players after Simão missed a penalty.{{cite news|title=Ronald Koeman: "Faltou tranquilidade"|trans-title=Koeman: "We lacked tranquility"|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/ronald-koeman-faltou-tranquilidade.html|access-date=4 January 2016|work=Record|date=28 August 2005|language=pt|archive-date=6 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160206224534/http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/ronald-koeman-faltou-tranquilidade.html|url-status=live}}
After an international break of nearly two weeks, Benfica returned to competition on 10 September with a Lisbon derby against Sporting CP.{{cite news|title=Em busca do tempo perdido|trans-title=Searching for lost time|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/em-busca-do-tempo-perdido.html|access-date=4 January 2016|work=Record|date=9 September 2005|language=pt|archive-date=7 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160207044650/http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/em-busca-do-tempo-perdido.html|url-status=live}} Koeman played the same 3–4–3 as before, selecting Carlitos for the starting 11 in place of Nuno Gomes. Sporting scored first through Luís Loureiro in the first half, but Simão equalized with a free-kick in the second half. In the 75th minute, Liédson made the score 2–1 against a ten-man Benfica, ultimately winning the match for Sporting.{{cite news|title=Sporting-Benfica, 2-1: Luz verde ao sinal vermelho|trans-title=Sporting-Benfica, 2–1: Green light to red signal|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/sporting/detalhe/sporting-benfica-2-1-luz-verde-ao-sinal-vermelho.html|access-date=4 January 2016|work=Record|date=11 September 2005|language=pt|archive-date=8 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160208020815/http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/sporting/detalhe/sporting-benfica-2-1-luz-verde-ao-sinal-vermelho.html|url-status=live}} With two losses and a draw in three match-days, Koeman broke a club record for the worst season start in history, already eight points from the top of the league.{{cite news|title=Feitos num 8|trans-title=Turned into an eight|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/feitos-num-8.html|access-date=4 January 2016|work=Record|date=11 September 2005|language=pt|archive-date=6 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160206040756/http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/feitos-num-8.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=Onde o tempo faz a curva|trans-title=Where time turns|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/detalhe/onde-o-tempo-faz-a-curva.html|access-date=4 January 2016|work=Record|date=11 September 2005|language=pt|archive-date=6 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160206102558/http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/detalhe/onde-o-tempo-faz-a-curva.html|url-status=live}} Four days later, Benfica made their seasonal European debut in the Champions League against Lille. The match was well fought between both teams, with Fabrizio Miccoli scoring a winning goal for Benfica in the 92nd minute.{{cite news|title=Miccoli strike sends Eagles soaring|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2005/matches/round=2201/match=1100257/postmatch/report/index.html|access-date=4 January 2016|work=UEFA|date=15 September 2005|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180220035039/https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2005/matches/round=2201/match=1100257/postmatch/report/index.html|archive-date=20 February 2018}} Koeman later said in the post-match interview, "We deserved this win because we search for it".{{cite news|title=Ronald Koeman: "Benfica criou mais e no final fez-se justiça"|trans-title=Ronald Koeman: "Benfica created more and in the end justice was made"|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/internacional/competicoes-de-clubes/liga-dos-campeoes/detalhe/ronald-koeman-benfica-criou-mais-e-no-final-fez-se-justica.html|access-date=4 January 2016|work=Record|date=15 September 2005|language=pt|archive-date=13 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160213061954/http://www.record.xl.pt/internacional/competicoes-de-clubes/liga-dos-campeoes/detalhe/ronald-koeman-benfica-criou-mais-e-no-final-fez-se-justica.html|url-status=live}} On 18 September, Benfica hosted União de Leiria; Koeman reverted to the 4–2–3–1 formation that Giovanni Trapattoni regularly used. Benfica won 4–0 in the largest win all season, with Nuno Gomes netting a hat-trick.{{cite news|title=Benfica-U. Leiria, 4-0: Assim até parece fácil|trans-title=Benfica-U. Leiria, 4–0: Everything looks easy|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/benfica-u-leiria-4-0-assim-ate-parece-facil.html|access-date=4 January 2016|work=Record|date=19 September 2005|language=pt|archive-date=6 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160206000617/http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/benfica-u-leiria-4-0-assim-ate-parece-facil.html|url-status=live}} Koeman classified the formation as "ideal," and sid he wanted to use it more often in the future.{{cite news|title=Ronald Koeman: "Neste modelo de jogo é esta a equipa base"|trans-title=Ronald Koeman: "This formation is the ideal starting eleven"|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/ronald-koeman-neste-modelo-de-jogo-e-esta-a-equipa-base.html|access-date=4 January 2016|work=Record|date=19 September 2005|language=pt|archive-date=13 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160213134220/http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/ronald-koeman-neste-modelo-de-jogo-e-esta-a-equipa-base.html|url-status=live}} The following Saturday, Benfica played on the road against Penafiel. A strong start put Benfica in the lead by 2–0 in the first 15 minutes, and despite conceding a goal, they won the match 3–1.{{cite news|title=Penafiel-Benfica, 1-3: Um vendaval de futebol|trans-title=Penafiel-Benfica, 1–3: A storm of football|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/penafiel-benfica-1-3-um-vendaval-de-futebol.html|access-date=4 January 2016|work=Record|date=24 September 2005|language=pt|archive-date=7 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160207101909/http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/penafiel-benfica-1-3-um-vendaval-de-futebol.html|url-status=live}} Koeman attributed the win to the good momentum that Fabrizio Miccoli–Nuno Gomes were passing.{{cite news|title=Ronald Koeman: "Rendimento do ataque é que mudou"|trans-title=Ronald Koeman: "Performance of the players is what changed"|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/ronald-koeman-rendimento-do-ataque-e-que-mudou.html|access-date=4 January 2016|work=Record|date=23 September 2005|language=pt|archive-date=7 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160207111938/http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/ronald-koeman-rendimento-do-ataque-e-que-mudou.html|url-status=live}} On 27 September, Benfica travelled to Old Trafford to play Manchester United on the second match-day of the Champions League. United scored first through a Ryan Giggs free-kick that deflected off the wall; Simão levelled the score in the second half—also on a free kick—but United responded with a winning goal in the 85th minute through Ruud van Nistelrooy.{{cite news|title=United save their best until last|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2005/matches/round=2201/match=1100273/postmatch/report/index.html|access-date=5 January 2016|work=UEFA|date=28 September 2005|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180220172418/https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2005/matches/round=2201/match=1100273/postmatch/report/index.html|archive-date=20 February 2018}}
=October–November=
October began with a home match against Vitória de Guimarães. Miccoli opened the scoring for Benfica in the 20th minute, but Tiago Targino equalized a few minutes later. Simão put Benfica back in front with a deflected shot that beat Márcio Paiva, ensuring a third consecutive win that reduced the distance to the league leader to four points.{{cite news|title=Benfica-V. Guimarães, 2-1: Grãos na engrenagem|trans-title=Benfica-V. Guimarães, 2–1: Pebbles in the gearing|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/v--guimaraes/detalhe/benfica-v-guimaraes-2-1-graos-na-engrenagem.html|access-date=5 January 2016|work=Record|date=4 October 2005|language=pt|archive-date=6 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160206101049/http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/v--guimaraes/detalhe/benfica-v-guimaraes-2-1-graos-na-engrenagem.html|url-status=live}} After another interruption for international football, Benfica returned to competition with a Clássico against Porto.{{cite news|title=Ronald Koeman atribui favoritismo ao FC Porto|trans-title=Ronald Koeman gives favouritism to Porto|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/ronald-koeman-atribui-favoritismo-ao-fc-porto.html|access-date=5 January 2016|work=Record|date=14 October 2005|language=pt|archive-date=8 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160208025338/http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/ronald-koeman-atribui-favoritismo-ao-fc-porto.html|url-status=live}} Despite Porto being the favourite to win, Benfica won 2–0 with two goals from Nuno Gomes.{{cite news|title=FC Porto-Benfica, 0-2: A lição n.º 9 de Koeman|trans-title=FC Porto-Benfica, 0–2: Koeman's lesson nr.9|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/fc-porto/detalhe/fc-porto---benfica-0-2-a-licao-n-9-de-koeman.html|access-date=5 January 2016|work=Record|date=16 October 2005|language=pt|archive-date=6 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160206043827/http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/fc-porto/detalhe/fc-porto---benfica-0-2-a-licao-n-9-de-koeman.html|url-status=live}} It was Benfica's first away win at Porto since 1990–91, when César Brito also scored a double.{{cite news|title=Nuno Gomes: "Dedico a José Torres e aos benfiquistas"|trans-title=Nuno Gomes: "I dedicate this to José Torres and to the Benfica fans"|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/nuno-gomes-dedico-a-jose-torres-e-aos-benfiquistas.html|access-date=5 January 2016|work=Record|date=16 October 2005|language=pt|archive-date=6 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160206012155/http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/nuno-gomes-dedico-a-jose-torres-e-aos-benfiquistas.html|url-status=live}} On the following Thursday, Benfica visited El Madrigal to play Villarreal. On the half-hour mark, Benfica lost their goalkeeper Quim to injury and replaced him with the 19-year-old Rui Nereu. In the second half, Villarreal scored from the penalty spot. Five minutes later, Manuel Fernandes levelled the score again.{{cite news|title=Benfica buoyed by Nereu heroics|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2005/matches/round=2201/match=1100289/postmatch/report/index.html|access-date=5 January 2016|work=UEFA|date=19 October 2005|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180220172412/https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2005/matches/round=2201/match=1100289/postmatch/report/index.html|archive-date=20 February 2018}} The draw allowed Benfica to remain in second place in Group D; Koeman was confident he could beat the Spaniards at home.{{cite news|title=Koeman: "Ficámos a saber que podíamos ganhar"|trans-title=Koeman: "We found it we can beat them"|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/internacional/competicoes-de-clubes/liga-dos-campeoes/detalhe/koeman-ficamos-a-saber-que-podiamos-ganhar.html|access-date=5 January 2016|work=Record|date=19 October 2005|language=pt|archive-date=6 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160206002126/http://www.record.xl.pt/internacional/competicoes-de-clubes/liga-dos-campeoes/detalhe/koeman-ficamos-a-saber-que-podiamos-ganhar.html|url-status=live}} On 22 October, Benfica hosted Estrela da Amadora for the Primeira Liga. Two second-half goals by Karyaka and then Nuno Gomes, gave Benfica their fifth consecutive win in the competition.{{cite news|title=Benfica-E. Amadora, 2-0: A águia em lua-de-mel|trans-title=Benfica-E. Amadora, 2–0: The eagle in a honeymoon|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/benfica-e-amadora-2-0-a-aguia-em-lua-de-mel.html|access-date=5 January 2016|work=Record|date=23 October 2005|language=pt|archive-date=6 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160206003639/http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/benfica-e-amadora-2-0-a-aguia-em-lua-de-mel.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=Cinco vitórias seguidas|trans-title=Five consecutive wins|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/cinco-vitorias-seguidas.html|access-date=5 January 2016|work=Record|date=23 October 2005|language=pt|archive-date=8 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160208000744/http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/cinco-vitorias-seguidas.html|url-status=live}} Four days later, Benfica made their Portuguese Cup debut in the fourth round. Playing in Estádio do Bessa against Leixões, Simão's decisive performance opened the scoring in the 11th minute and scored Benfica's second goal that made the score 2–1.{{cite news|title=Leixões-Benfica, 1-2: Com arte e sem medo|trans-title=Leixões-Benfica, 1–2: With art and without fear|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/taca-de-portugal/detalhe/leixoes-benfica-1-2-com-arte-e-sem-medo.html|access-date=5 January 2016|work=Record|date=27 October 2005|language=pt|archive-date=7 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160207081814/http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/taca-de-portugal/detalhe/leixoes-benfica-1-2-com-arte-e-sem-medo.html|url-status=live}} The month ended with an away match against Naval. Benfica were surprised by the home side and dropped two points in a 1–1 draw, costing them the chance to reach second place.{{cite news|title=Naval-Benfica, 1-1: Jogo do bom malandro|trans-title=Naval-Benfica, 1–1: A slackers game|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/naval-benfica-1-1-jogo-do-bom-malandro.html|access-date=5 January 2016|work=Record|date=30 October 2005|language=pt|archive-date=13 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160213224514/http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/naval-benfica-1-1-jogo-do-bom-malandro.html|url-status=live}} Koeman was unhappy with the result, saying Benfica played better and deserved to win.{{cite news|title=Koeman: "Resultado não é justo pois fomos melhores"|trans-title=Koeman: "Result isn't fair because we were better"|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/koeman-resultado-nao-e-justo-pois-fomos-melhores.html|access-date=5 January 2016|work=Record|date=30 October 2005|language=pt|archive-date=7 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160207142022/http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/koeman-resultado-nao-e-justo-pois-fomos-melhores.html|url-status=live}}
Benfica began November with a home match against to Villarreal. Benfica were hoping to win and take the lead in Group D but were defeated 1–0 with a winning goal for Villarreal in the 81st minute through a {{Convert|30|m|ft|abbr=on}} strike from Marcos Senna.{{cite news|title=Senna sets Villarreal flying|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2005/matches/round=2201/match=1100305/postmatch/report/index.html|access-date=5 January 2016|work=UEFA|date=3 November 2005|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180220125246/https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2005/matches/round=2201/match=1100305/postmatch/report/index.html|archive-date=20 February 2018}} Despite the loss, Koeman remained confident in the qualification for the knockout stage; he said, "It is a very balanced group. We are missing four points to progress."{{cite news|title=Koeman: "Faltam-nos 4 pontos para seguir em frente"|trans-title=Koeman: "We miss four points to progress"|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/internacional/competicoes-de-clubes/liga-dos-campeoes/detalhe/koeman-faltam-nos-4-pontos-para-seguir-em-frente.html|access-date=5 January 2016|work=Record|date=3 November 2005|language=pt|archive-date=13 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160213014145/http://www.record.xl.pt/internacional/competicoes-de-clubes/liga-dos-campeoes/detalhe/koeman-faltam-nos-4-pontos-para-seguir-em-frente.html|url-status=live}} On 6 November, Benfica played Rio Ave at home. The match was unusually competitive, with Benfica trailing twice and avoiding defeat with two free kicks from Petit.{{cite news|title=Benfica-Rio Ave, 2-2: Mais água na engrenagem|trans-title=Benfica-Rio Ave, 2–2: More water in the mesh|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/rio-ave/detalhe/benfica-rio-ave-2-2-mais-agua-na-engrenagem.html|access-date=5 January 2016|work=Record|date=7 November 2005|language=pt|archive-date=7 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160207060218/http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/rio-ave/detalhe/benfica-rio-ave-2-2-mais-agua-na-engrenagem.html|url-status=live}} Koeman took the blame but criticized the referee's assistant for making several mistakes against Benfica.{{cite news|title=Koeman: "Se há um assistente que está a dormir..."|trans-title=Koeman: "The assistant referee was sleeping..."|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/koeman-se-ha-um-assistente-que-esta-a-dormir.html|access-date=5 January 2016|work=Record|date=7 November 2005|language=pt|archive-date=7 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160207090335/http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/koeman-se-ha-um-assistente-que-esta-a-dormir.html|url-status=live}} After a third international break, Benfica visited the Municipal de Braga on 19 November to play Braga. Benfica scored first through Anderson but could not prevent the comeback of Braga, first through Césinha and then Julio Bevacqua. Benfica responded with a Nuno Gomes goal in the 92nd minute, but Bevacqua gave the win to Braga three minutes later.{{cite news|title=Sp. Braga-Benfica, 3-2 (Cesinha 68
=December–January=
On 3 December, Benfica travelled to Barreiros to play Marítimo. Under pressure from the run of poor results, Koeman asked his players to give it all to beat Maritímo.{{cite news|title=Ronald Koeman: "Os jogadores têm de dar tudo"|trans-title=Ronald Koeman: "The players have to give it all"|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/ronald-koeman-os-jogadores-tem-de-dar-tudo.html|access-date=5 January 2016|work=Record|date=1 December 2005|language=pt|archive-date=8 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160208083537/http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/ronald-koeman-os-jogadores-tem-de-dar-tudo.html|url-status=live}} Benfica fended off Marítimo attacks, responding with a goal through Mantorras in the 86th minute and winning for the first time since 26 October.{{cite news|title=Marítimo-Benfica, 0-1: Pedro, mágico do golo|trans-title=Marítimo-Benfica, 0–1: Pedro, the goals magician|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/maritimo/detalhe/maritimo-benfica-0-1-pedro-magico-do-golo.html|access-date=5 January 2016|work=Record|date=4 December 2005|language=pt|archive-date=6 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160206094030/http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/maritimo/detalhe/maritimo-benfica-0-1-pedro-magico-do-golo.html|url-status=live}} Four days later, Benfica hosted Manchester United for the last match of the group stage. United's Paul Scholes scored first but ten minutes later, Geovanni equalized 1–1 and in the 34th minute, Beto fired a shot from outside the box to make it 2–1. The result was unchanged and Benfica qualified in second for the knockout stages for the first time since 1994–95.{{cite news|title=United undone by brilliant Benfica|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2005/matches/round=2201/match=1100337/postmatch/report/index.html|access-date=5 January 2016|work=UEFA|date=8 December 2005|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180220125304/https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2005/matches/round=2201/match=1100337/postmatch/report/index.html|archive-date=20 February 2018}} On 11 December, Benfica played Boavista at home. Anderson scored for Benfica off a corner-kick from Petit; the only goal of the game.{{cite news|title=Benfica-Boavista, 1-0: Efeito "united" a durar|trans-title=Benfica-Boavista, 1–0: "United" effect still going|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/benfica-boavista-1-0-efeito-united-a-durar.html|access-date=5 January 2016|work=Record|date=12 December 2005|language=pt|archive-date=7 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160207093355/http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/benfica-boavista-1-0-efeito-united-a-durar.html|url-status=live}} Koeman was happy with the win, saying, "We played well, as did the fans, who supported us. Like this, it is very difficult to beat us."{{cite news|title=Ronald Koeman: "Assim é muito difícil ganhar ao Benfica"|trans-title=Ronald Koeman: "Like this is very difficult to beat us"|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/ronald-koeman-assim-e-muito-dificil-ganhar-ao-benfica.html|access-date=5 January 2016|work=Record|date=12 December 2005|language=pt|archive-date=8 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160208085109/http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/ronald-koeman-assim-e-muito-dificil-ganhar-ao-benfica.html|url-status=live}} On 17 December, Benfica continued their winning run, beating Nacional 1–0 with a goal from Nuno Gomes.{{cite news|title=Benfica-Nacional, 1-0: Três tristes pontos|trans-title=Benfica-Nacional, 1–0: Three sad points|url=http://www.record.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/benfica-nacional-1-0-tres-tristes-pontos.html|access-date=5 January 2016|work=Record|date=18 December 2005|language=pt|archive-date=20 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180520054346/http://www.record.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/benfica-nacional-1-0-tres-tristes-pontos.html|url-status=live}} The goal was controversial because of an alleged infraction of Luisão over Diego Benaglio prior to the goal. Koeman said, "I agree that it should have been signalled, like it should have been in many other instances".{{cite news|title=Ronald Koeman: "Concordo que o árbitro podia ter marcado falta"|trans-title=Koeman: "I agree that the referee should have signalled it"|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/ronald-koeman-concordo-que-o-arbitro-podia-ter-marcado-falta.html|access-date=5 January 2016|work=Record|date=18 December 2005|language=pt|archive-date=6 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160206035243/http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/ronald-koeman-concordo-que-o-arbitro-podia-ter-marcado-falta.html|url-status=live}} Benfica ended 2005 with an away visit to the Estádio do Bonfim. They struggled to beat Vitória de Setúbal's goalkeeper Marcelo Moretto throughout the game, only securing the win in the 90th minute through Nuno Gomes.{{cite news|title=V. Setúbal-Benfica, 0-1: Classe no último fôlego|trans-title=V. Setúbal-Benfica, 0–1: Class in the last breath|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/v--setubal/detalhe/v-setubal-benfica-0-1-classe-no-ultimo-folego.html|access-date=5 January 2016|work=Record|date=22 December 2005|language=pt|archive-date=8 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160208042414/http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/v--setubal/detalhe/v-setubal-benfica-0-1-classe-no-ultimo-folego.html|url-status=live}} The win was Benfica's fifth in December; enough to place them third in the league table just before the Christmas break.{{cite news|title=Nuno Gomes: "Marcar o golo foi uma alegria enorme"|trans-title=Nuno Gomes: "To score the goal was a huge joy"|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/nuno-gomes-marcar-o-golo-foi-uma-alegria-enorme.html|access-date=5 January 2016|work=Record|date=22 December 2005|language=pt|archive-date=13 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160213195921/http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/nuno-gomes-marcar-o-golo-foi-uma-alegria-enorme.html|url-status=live}}
Competition resumed on 8 January with a home game against Paços de Ferreira. New signing Moretto made his first appearance for Benfica. Nélson scored early, putting Benfica in the lead, with Geovanni setting the final score in the second half.{{cite news|title=Benfica-P. Ferreira, 2-0: Em estado de graça|trans-title=Benfica-P. Ferreira, 2–0: A state of joy|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/p--ferreira/detalhe/benfica-p-ferreira-2-0-em-estado-de-graca.html|access-date=5 January 2016|work=Record|date=9 January 2006|language=pt|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160213132710/http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/p--ferreira/detalhe/benfica-p-ferreira-2-0-em-estado-de-graca.html|archive-date=13 February 2016|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}} With the win, Benfica climbed to second place, four points ahead of Sporting but ten behind leaders Porto.{{cite news|title=Que diferenças!|trans-title=What a difference!|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/opiniao/cronistas/antonio-magalhaes/detalhe/que-diferencas.html|access-date=5 January 2016|work=Record|date=9 January 2006|language=pt|archive-date=8 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160208032356/http://www.record.xl.pt/opiniao/cronistas/antonio-magalhaes/detalhe/que-diferencas.html|url-status=live}} On 11 January, Benfica played Tourizense for the 2005–06 Portuguese Cup. Recently signed Laurent Robert scored the opening goal in the second half, while Nuno Gomes scored a second, letting Benfica progress to the sixth round.{{cite news|title=Tourizense-Benfica, 0-2: Meia dose de campeão|trans-title=Tourizense-Benfica, 0–2: Half a dose of Champion|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/taca-de-portugal/detalhe/tourizense-benfica-0-2-meia-dose-de-campeao.html|access-date=5 January 2016|work=Record|date=12 January 2006|language=pt|archive-date=8 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160208033902/http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/taca-de-portugal/detalhe/tourizense-benfica-0-2-meia-dose-de-campeao.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/robert-imita-eusebio.html|title=Robert imita Eusébio|trans-title=Robert copies Eusébio|work=Record|date=13 January 2006|access-date=5 January 2016|archive-date=6 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160206223025/http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/robert-imita-eusebio.html|url-status=live}} Four days later, Benfica hosted Académica at home. Early in the match, Roberto Brum touched the ball with his hand inside the box, giving Simão the opportunity to score the first goal; two more goals in the second half secured a comfortable 3–0 win for Benfica.{{cite news|title=Benfica-Académica, 3-0: Os braços antes das asas|trans-title=Benfica-Académica, 3–0: The arms before the wings|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/benfica-academica-3-0-os-bracos-antes-das-asas.html|access-date=5 January 2016|work=Record|date=16 January 2006|language=pt|archive-date=13 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160213054933/http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/benfica-academica-3-0-os-bracos-antes-das-asas.html|url-status=live}} The following day, Benfica signed Académica striker Marcel on a six-month loan.{{cite news|title=Marcel é reforço encarnado|trans-title=Marcel signs|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/marcel-e-reforco-encarnado.html|access-date=5 January 2016|work=Record|date=16 January 2006|language=pt|archive-date=8 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160208015307/http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/marcel-e-reforco-encarnado.html|url-status=live}} On 20 January, Benfica played away to Gil Vicente. A 10th-minute goal from Nandinho meant Benfica trailed for the first time in the season at the quarter-hour mark. The Lisbon-side responded with two first-half goals from Simão and Geovanni, while an own-goal in the second half confirmed the win for Benfica. It was their seventh consecutive league win, a feat not seen in 11 years since the 1994–95 season.{{cite news|title=Gil Vicente-Benfica, 1-3: Vitória do fato-macaco|trans-title=Gil Vicente-Benfica, 1–3: Victory of the coverall|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/gil-vicente-benfica-1-3-vitoria-do-fato-macaco.html|access-date=5 January 2016|work=Record|date=21 January 2006|language=pt|archive-date=7 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160207091848/http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/gil-vicente-benfica-1-3-vitoria-do-fato-macaco.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=Sete vitórias seguidas... é obra|trans-title=Seven straight wins... it is a feat|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/detalhe/sete-vitorias-seguidas-e-obra.html|access-date=5 January 2016|work=Record|date=21 January 2006|language=pt|archive-date=7 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160207162059/http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/detalhe/sete-vitorias-seguidas-e-obra.html|url-status=live}} On 28 January, Benfica played the Lisbon derby against Sporting CP. Benfica scored first through Simão but they could not stop Paulo Bento's team from winning the match 3–1 at the Luz.{{cite news|title=Benfica-Sporting, 1-3: Um baile verde e branco|trans-title=Benfica-Sporting, 1–3 A green-and-white ballet|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/sporting/detalhe/benfica-sporting-1-3-um-baile-verde-e-branco.html|access-date=5 January 2016|work=Record|date=29 January 2006|language=pt|archive-date=13 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160213011204/http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/sporting/detalhe/benfica-sporting-1-3-um-baile-verde-e-branco.html|url-status=live}} Koeman said, "Sporting was much better on the pitch, before the 1–0 and especially after".{{cite news|title=As reacções ao Benfica 1-3 Sporting: Koeman considerou o resultado justo|trans-title=The reactions to Benfica 1–3 Sporting: Koeman considered the result fair|url=http://serbenfiquista.com/artigo/reac%C3%A7%C3%B5es-ao-benfica-1-3-sporting-koeman-considerou-o-resultado-justo|access-date=5 January 2016|work=Record|publisher=Serbenfiquista.com|date=28 January 2006|language=pt|archive-date=26 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160126183809/http://serbenfiquista.com/artigo/reac%C3%A7%C3%B5es-ao-benfica-1-3-sporting-koeman-considerou-o-resultado-justo|url-status=live}}
=February–March=
Entering the decisive part of the season, and still present in all competitions, Benfica's first game of February was a visit to Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa to face União de Leiria. The home side startled Benfica, beating them 3–1.{{cite news|title=U. Leiria-Benfica, 3-1: "Felícios" e mortíferos|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/u-leiria-benfica-3-1-felicios-e-mortiferos.html|access-date=5 January 2016|work=Record|date=5 February 2006|language=pt|archive-date=13 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160213215956/http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/u-leiria-benfica-3-1-felicios-e-mortiferos.html|url-status=live}} The loss, which Koeman called a small setback, granted Sporting the chance to catch Benfica in second place.{{cite news|title=Moral para a Taça|trans-title=Morale for the Cup|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/moral-para-a-taca.html|access-date=5 January 2016|work=Record|date=6 February 2006|language=pt|archive-date=5 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160205081552/http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/moral-para-a-taca.html|url-status=live}} On 8 February, Benfica met Nacional at home for the sixth round of the Portuguese Cup; the match ended in a goalless draw, even after extra time. Benfica won the match after a penalty shoot-out.{{cite news|title=Benfica-Nacional, 0-0 (5-3 g.p.): As musas adormecidas|trans-title=Benfica-Nacional, 0–0 (5–3 p)|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/benfica-nacional-0-0-5-3-gp-as-musas-adormecidas.html|access-date=5 January 2016|work=Record|date=9 February 2006|language=pt|archive-date=8 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160208043921/http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/benfica-nacional-0-0-5-3-gp-as-musas-adormecidas.html|url-status=live}} Four days later, Benfica returned to the winning path in the Primeira Liga after beating Penafiel 4–0. Geovanni opened the scoring in the first half, after which Nuno Gomes, Simão and an own goal from Roberto set the final result.{{cite news|title=Benfica-Penafiel, 4-0: Beber no fundo do poço|trans-title=Benfica-Penafiel, 4–0: To drink from the bottom of the well|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/benfica-penafiel-4-0-beber-no-fundo-do-poco.html|access-date=5 January 2016|work=Record|date=13 February 2006|language=pt|archive-date=8 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160208090616/http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/benfica-penafiel-4-0-beber-no-fundo-do-poco.html|url-status=live}} On 18 February, Benfica played on the road against Vitória de Guimarães. They did not play as expected and conceded two goals—one in each half—losing 2–0.{{cite news|title=V. Guimarães-Benfica, 2-0: Trabalho ou descanso|trans-title=V. Guimarães-Benfica, 2–0: Work or rest|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/v--guimaraes/detalhe/v-guimaraes-benfica-2-0-trabalho-ou-descanso.html|access-date=5 January 2016|work=Record|date=19 February 2006|language=pt|archive-date=7 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160207063233/http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/v--guimaraes/detalhe/v-guimaraes-benfica-2-0-trabalho-ou-descanso.html|url-status=live}} The loss severely hampered their title defence after being overtaken by Sporting and Braga and allowing leaders Porto—their next league opponent—to gain an eight-point advantage.{{cite news|title=Ronald Koeman: "A situação complicou-se"|trans-title=Ronald Koeman: "The situation complicated itself"|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/ronald-koeman-a-situacao-complicou-se.html|access-date=5 January 2016|work=Record|date=19 February 2006|language=pt|archive-date=5 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160205093110/http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/ronald-koeman-a-situacao-complicou-se.html|url-status=live}} Three days after Guimarães, Benfica hosted Liverpool for the first leg of the Champions League round of 16. According to Adrian Harte, the match was "largely disappointing", but Benfica secured a vital win against Liverpool when Luisão scored with an 84th-minute header.{{cite news|title=Benfica's Luisão lights up the Luz|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2005/matches/round=2202/match=1102855/postmatch/report/index.html|access-date=5 January 2016|work=UEFA|date=21 February 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180220153418/https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2005/matches/round=2202/match=1102855/postmatch/report/index.html|archive-date=20 February 2018}} The final match of February was a home to Porto, the second Clássico of the season. The high-tension match was decided with a {{Convert|40|m|ft|abbr=on}} free kick from Laurent Robert that Vítor Baía could not stop.{{cite news|title=Benfica-FC Porto, 1-0: "Frango" soltou clássico|trans-title=Benfica-FC Porto, 1–0: "Blunder" unleashed the game|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/fc-porto/detalhe/benfica-fc-porto-1-0-frango-soltou-classico.html|access-date=5 January 2016|work=Record|date=27 February 2006|language=pt|archive-date=7 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160207061726/http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/fc-porto/detalhe/benfica-fc-porto-1-0-frango-soltou-classico.html|url-status=live}} The win relaunched Benfica's title race and Porto's lead was reduced to five points.{{cite news|title=Benfica set title race 'on fire'|url=https://www.uefa.com/memberassociations/news/newsid=398827.html#benfica+title+race+fire|access-date=5 January 2016|work=UEFA|date=27 February 2006|archive-date=4 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160604135103/http://www.uefa.com/memberassociations/news/newsid=398827.html#benfica+title+race+fire|url-status=dead}} It was the first time in 29 years since 1976–77 Benfica had beaten Porto twice in the league and was also their first home win over Porto since 2000–01.{{cite news|title=FC Porto satisfaz duas vezes|trans-title=Porto satisfies twice|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/fc-porto-satisfaz-duas-vezes.html|access-date=5 January 2016|work=Record|date=27 February 2006|language=pt|archive-date=13 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160213095554/http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/fc-porto-satisfaz-duas-vezes.html|url-status=live}}
Benfica began March with a visit to Estádio José Gomes, home of Estrela da Amadora. The local team scored first through Paulo Machado in the first half, but Benfica scored two goals in the second half; the latter in the 91st minute.{{cite news|title=E. Amadora-Benfica, 1-2: A vitória caída do céu|trans-title=E. Amadora-Benfica, 1–2: The win dropped from the sky|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/e-amadora-benfica-1-2-a-vitoria-caida-do-ceu.html|access-date=6 January 2016|work=Record|date=5 March 2006|language=pt|archive-date=14 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160214021629/http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/e-amadora-benfica-1-2-a-vitoria-caida-do-ceu.html|url-status=live}} On 8 March, Benfica played the return trip of the Champions League against Liverpool. The Rafael Benítez-led side needed to recoup a 1–0 disadvantage but Benfica won the match. A long-range shot from Simão in the 36th minute and a volley from Miccoli in the 89th minute put Benfica into the quarter-finals for the first time in 11 years, eliminating the reigning Champions League title holders in the process.{{cite news|title=Simão sends Liverpool crashing out|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2005/matches/round=2202/match=1102856/postmatch/report/index.html|access-date=6 January 2016|work=UEFA|date=9 March 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180220033316/https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2005/matches/round=2202/match=1102856/postmatch/report/index.html|archive-date=20 February 2018}} Koeman was thrilled with the win, saying, "This is why football is so nice—you can win against a bigger team, and anything is possible if you work for it".{{cite news|title='Anything is possible' for Koeman|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/01b3-0e6d6f9c5887-b03e69e54af2-1000--anything-is-possible-for-koeman/|access-date=6 January 2016|work=UEFA|date=9 March 2006|archive-date=18 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210818220312/https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/01b3-0e6d6f9c5887-b03e69e54af2-1000--anything-is-possible-for-koeman/?referrer=%2fnews%2fnewsid%3d382626#anything+possible+koeman|url-status=live}} Four days later, on the same day they were drawn with Barcelona in the Champions League, Benfica hosted Naval at home.{{cite news|title=Koeman: "Se não vencemos em casa não podemos ser campeões"|trans-title=Koeman: "If we don't win at home, we can't be Champions"|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/koeman-se-nao-vencemos-em-casa-nao-podemos-ser-campeoes.html|access-date=6 January 2016|work=Record|date=13 March 2006|language=pt|archive-date=6 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160206195915/http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/koeman-se-nao-vencemos-em-casa-nao-podemos-ser-campeoes.html|url-status=live}} They failed to break Naval's resistance despite several attempts from Simão and dropped two points in a 0–0 draw.{{cite news|title=Benfica-Naval, 0-0: Faltou franco-atirador|trans-title=Benfica-Naval, 0–0: A sniper was missing|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/benfica-naval-0-0-faltou-franco-atirador.html|access-date=6 January 2016|work=Record|date=13 March 2006|language=pt|archive-date=7 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160207104924/http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/benfica-naval-0-0-faltou-franco-atirador.html|url-status=live}} The draw threatened the hopes for a title renewal, as Porto and Sporting had distance themselves in the first two spots.{{cite news|title=Benfica desliga|trans-title=Benfica disconnects|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/opiniao/cronistas/antonio-magalhaes/detalhe/benfica-desliga.html|access-date=6 January 2016|work=Record|date=13 March 2006|language=pt|archive-date=7 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160207162108/http://www.record.xl.pt/opiniao/cronistas/antonio-magalhaes/detalhe/benfica-desliga.html|url-status=live}} On 15 March, Benfica suffered another setback at home. In the quarter-finals of the Taça de Portugal against Vitória de Guimarães, Benfica was surprised by the visitors and lost 1–0; the match's only goal was scored by Dário Monteiro.{{cite news|title=Benfica-V. Guimarães, 0-1: Lento acordar do sonho|trans-title=Benfica-V. Guimarães, 0–1: Slow awakening of a dream|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/taca-de-portugal/detalhe/benfica-v-guimaraes-0-1-lento-acordar-do-sonho.html|access-date=6 January 2016|work=Record|date=16 March 2006|language=pt|archive-date=13 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160213181352/http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/taca-de-portugal/detalhe/benfica-v-guimaraes-0-1-lento-acordar-do-sonho.html|url-status=live}} On 19 March, Benfica visited the Estádio dos Arcos to play Rio Ave. As with Estrela da Amadora, Benfica only secured the win in overtime, when Mantorras beat Mora with a 93rd-minute goal.{{cite news|title=Rio Ave-Benfica, 0-1: Milagre de Mantorras|trans-title=Rio Ave-Benfica, 0–1: Mantorras miracle|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/rio-ave/detalhe/rio-ave-benfica-0-1-milagre-de-mantorras.html|access-date=6 January 2016|work=Record|date=20 March 2006|language=pt|archive-date=7 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160207051705/http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/rio-ave/detalhe/rio-ave-benfica-0-1-milagre-de-mantorras.html|url-status=live}} Simão later told the press Benfica were still in the title race.{{cite news|title=Simão: "Continuamos na luta pelo título"|trans-title=Simão: "We are still battling for the title"|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/simao-continuamos-na-luta-pelo-titulo.html|access-date=6 January 2016|work=Record|date=19 March 2006|language=pt|archive-date=8 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160208074012/http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/simao-continuamos-na-luta-pelo-titulo.html|url-status=live}} Almost a week later, on the 25 March, Benfica hosted the fourth-place team Braga. The home team scored in their second attempt through Nuno Gomes and retained their slim lead until the end.{{cite news|title=Benfica-Sp. Braga, 1-0: Vitória ao segundo tiro|trans-title=Benfica-Sp.Braga, 1–0: Win in the second shot|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/sp--braga/detalhe/benfica-sp-braga-1-0-vitoria-ao-segundo-tiro.html|access-date=6 January 2016|work=Record|date=26 March 2006|language=pt|archive-date=6 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160206114137/http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/sp--braga/detalhe/benfica-sp-braga-1-0-vitoria-ao-segundo-tiro.html|url-status=live}} Koeman was happy Benfica resolved the game so early, because in three days they met Barcelona.{{cite news|title=Ronald Koeman: "Foi bom marcar na primeira oportunidade"|trans-title=Koeman: "It was good to score in the first attempt"|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/ronald-koeman-foi-bom-marcar-na-primeira-oportunidade.html|access-date=6 January 2016|work=Record|date=25 March 2006|language=pt|archive-date=6 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160206111118/http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/ronald-koeman-foi-bom-marcar-na-primeira-oportunidade.html|url-status=live}} In the final game of March, Benfica faced Barcelona for the Champions League. Both goalkeepers were instrumental in securing a goalless draw; Moretto had the most work.{{cite news|title=Barça denied by Moretto magic|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2005/matches/round=2203/match=1105601/postmatch/report/index.html|access-date=6 January 2016|work=UEFA|date=29 March 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180220033528/https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2005/matches/round=2203/match=1105601/postmatch/report/index.html|archive-date=20 February 2018}} Koeman was satisfied with the stalemate, predicting the second leg would be similar.{{cite news|title=Dutch coaches happy with stalemate|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/01b3-0e6d76eddf37-f8e362e36fe9-1000--dutch-coaches-happy-with-stalemate/|access-date=6 January 2016|work=UEFA|date=29 March 2006|archive-date=18 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210818220312/https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/01b3-0e6d76eddf37-f8e362e36fe9-1000--dutch-coaches-happy-with-stalemate/?referrer=%2fnews%2fnewsid%3d408109#dutch+coaches+happy+with+stalemate|url-status=live}}
=April–May=
File:Five Supercups in Museu Cosme Damião.JPG.]]
In April, Benfica were still battling for a Champions League semi-final spot while chasing Porto and Sporting in the domestic title race. On the first day of the month, Benfica played away to Belenenses. José Pedro scored first for the home team in the 9th minute, but Benfica's Miccoli equalized and seven minutes later, Karagounis scored again. Benfica won 2–1.{{cite news|title=Belenenses-Benfica, 1-2: Pode vir o Barcelona|trans-title=Belenenses-Benfica, 1–2: Barcelona can come|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/belenenses-benfica-1-2-pode-vir-o-barcelona.html|access-date=6 January 2016|work=Record|date=2 April 2006|language=pt|archive-date=7 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160207084828/http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/belenenses-benfica-1-2-pode-vir-o-barcelona.html|url-status=live}} Assistant manager Bruins Slot said, "The win allows us to keep pressure on our opponents and give us morale for Barcelona".{{cite news|title=Bruins Slot: "Mantivemos pressão sobre os adversários"|trans-title=Bruins Slot: "We kept pressure on our opponents"|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/bruins-slot-mantivemos-pressao-sobre-os-adversarios.html|access-date=6 January 2016|work=Record|date=2 April 2006|language=pt|archive-date=13 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160213060445/http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/bruins-slot-mantivemos-pressao-sobre-os-adversarios.html|url-status=live}} The following Wednesday, Benfica visited the Nou Camp in the second leg of the quarter-finals. Barcelona pressured hard and almost scored in the first five minutes with a penalty kick, with Moretto defending Ronaldinho's shot. A few minutes later, the Brazilian scored to make it 1–0 for Barça from open play. Benfica had the best chance to level in the 61st minute, but Simão missed an opportunity. Samuel Eto'o scored a late goal for Barcelona, putting Barça into the semi-finals.{{cite news|title=Striking talent sees Barça through|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2005/matches/round=2203/match=1105602/postmatch/report/index.html|access-date=6 January 2016|work=UEFA|date=6 April 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180220105221/https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2005/matches/round=2203/match=1105602/postmatch/report/index.html|archive-date=20 February 2018}} President Luís Filipe Vieira said, "We were hoping to reach the final. We were awakened from the dream—every supporter was".{{cite news|title=Vieira: "Acordámos do sonho"|trans-title=Vieira: "Awakened from the dream"|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/internacional/competicoes-de-clubes/liga-dos-campeoes/detalhe/vieira-acordamos-do-sonho.html|access-date=6 January 2016|work=Record|date=6 April 2006|language=pt|archive-date=7 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160207110432/http://www.record.xl.pt/internacional/competicoes-de-clubes/liga-dos-campeoes/detalhe/vieira-acordamos-do-sonho.html|url-status=live}}
On 9 April, Benfica hosted Marítimo at home. They were caught off guard and briefly trailed by 2–0. Petit and a 96th-minute penalty from Simão equalized for Benfica.{{cite news|title=Benfica-Marítimo, 2-2: Águia a curar feridas|trans-title=Benfica-Marítimo, 2–2: Eagle healing his injuries|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/maritimo/detalhe/benfica-maritimo-2-2-aguia-a-curar-feridas.html|access-date=6 January 2016|work=Record|date=10 April 2006|language=pt|archive-date=13 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160213053426/http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/maritimo/detalhe/benfica-maritimo-2-2-aguia-a-curar-feridas.html|url-status=live}} Nonetheless, the draw granted Porto the chance to increase their lead to nine points with four games left, making the title renewal "impossible," as Koeman described it.{{cite news|title=Koeman: "Desculpem"|trans-title=Koeman: "I'm sorry"|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/koeman-desculpem.html|access-date=6 January 2016|work=Record|date=9 April 2006|language=pt|archive-date=13 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160213080544/http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/koeman-desculpem.html|url-status=live}} Six days later, on 15 April, Benfica played visitor to Boavista. Hoping to take advantage of Sporting's slip hours earlier and only battling for a direct qualification for the next Champions League campaign, Benfica beat the home side 2–0, with goals from Tiago and Mantorras.{{cite news|title=Boavista-Benfica, 0-2: Águia feliz na pantera|trans-title=Boavista-Benfica, 0–2: Happy eagle in the Pantera's home|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/boavista-benfica-0-2-aguia-feliz-na-pantera.html|access-date=6 January 2016|work=Record|date=16 April 2006|language=pt|archive-date=14 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160214014611/http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/boavista-benfica-0-2-aguia-feliz-na-pantera.html|url-status=live}} The win also broke a ten-year winless streak at the Estádio do Bessa, the last win being on 30 March 1996.{{cite news|title=Vitória no Bessa 10 anos depois|trans-title=Win in Bessa 10 years later|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/vitoria-no-bessa-10-anos-depois.html|access-date=6 January 2016|work=Record|date=16 April 2006|language=pt|archive-date=8 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160208030845/http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/vitoria-no-bessa-10-anos-depois.html|url-status=live}} On 23 April, Benfica played Nacional on Estádio da Madeira. Benfica led the game most of time, but conceded a late goal from Ricardo Fernandes and lost the chance to overtake Sporting.{{cite news|title=Nacional-Benfica, 1-1: Só um a querer a pasta|trans-title=Nacional-Benfica, 1–1: Only one wanted the money|url=http://www.record.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/nacional-benfica-1-1-so-um-a-querer-a-pasta.html|access-date=6 January 2016|work=Record|date=24 April 2006|language=pt|archive-date=20 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180520054714/http://www.record.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/nacional-benfica-1-1-so-um-a-querer-a-pasta.html|url-status=live}} On 30 April, Benfica hosted and defeated Vitória de Setúbal 1–0 with a first half goal from Anderson.{{cite news|title=Benfica-V. Setúbal, 1-0: Menos era muito difícil|trans-title=Benfica-V.Setúbal, 1–0: Less was difficult|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/v--setubal/detalhe/benfica-v-setubal-1-0-menos-era-muito-dificil.html|access-date=6 January 2016|work=Record|date=1 May 2006|language=pt|archive-date=13 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160213075035/http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/v--setubal/detalhe/benfica-v-setubal-1-0-menos-era-muito-dificil.html|url-status=live}} The win meant Koeman had surpass Giovanni Trapattoni's previous points total (67–65), but without the same glory; Porto had already won the league and Sporting was in good position to finish second.{{cite news|title=Koeman supera Trapattoni|trans-title=Koeman overcomes Trapattoni|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/koeman-supera-trapattoni.html|access-date=6 January 2016|work=Record|date=1 May 2006|language=pt|archive-date=6 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160206045345/http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/koeman-supera-trapattoni.html|url-status=live}}
On 7 May, Benfica played their final match of the season at Estádio da Mata Real. Benfica's Manuel Fernandes scored first but could not prevent Paços de Ferreira scoring three second-half goals, thus losing the game.{{cite news|title=P. Ferreira-Benfica, 3-1: Benfica troca o passo|trans-title=P. Ferreira-Benfica, 3–1: Benfica lose their feet|url=https://www.record.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-bwin/p--ferreira/detalhe/p-ferreira-benfica-3-1-benfica-troca-o-passo|access-date=6 January 2016|work=Record|date=8 May 2006|language=pt|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210818221446/https://www.record.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-bwin/p--ferreira/detalhe/p-ferreira-benfica-3-1-benfica-troca-o-passo|archive-date=18 August 2021|url-status=live}} Benfica ended the season in third place, missing out on the title and an automatic place in the 2006–07 UEFA Champions League. Despite winning both games against Porto, the closest Benfica had come from them was on the 18 and 19 match-days, with only three points. Benfica closed the season 12 points behind the leader and five from Sporting.{{cite news|title=Classificação 2005/2006|trans-title=Table 2005/2006|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/detalhe/classificacao-20052006.html|access-date=6 January 2016|work=Record|date=7 May 2006|language=pt|archive-date=13 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160213094043/http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/detalhe/classificacao-20052006.html|url-status=live}} Of the Big Three, Benfica conceded the most goals (29) and scored the second-highest number of goals (51), with the worst goal-average (+22).Tovar, Rui. p. 625 Koeman wanted to fulfil his contract with Benfica, but after negotiations with the management and sudden interest from PSV, Benfica opted to release him on mutual terms.{{cite news|title=Koeman: "Foi um prazer ter estado aqui"|trans-title=Koeman: "It was a pleasure being here"|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/koeman-foi-um-prazer-ter-estado-aqui.html|access-date=6 January 2016|work=Record|date=8 May 2006|language=pt|archive-date=13 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160213092525/http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/koeman-foi-um-prazer-ter-estado-aqui.html|url-status=live}} Koeman thanked Luís Filipe Vieira and José Veiga for their support in face of repeated criticism, and said, "This is very big club, but you cannot win all the time, although I admit, that in the Primeira Liga, he did not do everything he could. We could have done better. But I say, It was a pleasure being here, now my career will continue elsewhere."
Competitions
{{legend2|#CCFFCC|Win|border=1px solid #AAAAAA}}
{{legend2|#FFFFCC|Draw|border=1px solid #AAAAAA}}
{{legend2|#FFCCCC|Loss|border=1px solid #AAAAAA}}
{{legend2|#CCCCCC|Postponed|border=1px solid #AAAAAA}}
=Overall record=
| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center" |
| rowspan="2"| Competition
!rowspan="2"| First match !rowspan="2"| Last match !colspan="9"| Record |
|---|
| G
!W !D !L !GF !GA !GD !Win % !Source |
| align=left| Primeira Liga
| align=left| 20 August 2005 | align=left| 7 May 2006 {{WDL|34|20|7|7|for=51|against=29|diff=yes}} | align=left| Tovar, Rui. p. 626 |
| align=left| Taça de Portugal
| align=left| 26 October 2005 | align=left| 15 March 2006 {{WDL|4|2|1|1|for=4|against=2|diff=yes}} |
| align=left| Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira
| align=left| 13 August 2005 | align=left| 13 August 2005 {{WDL|1|1|0|0|for=1|against=0|diff=yes}} |
| align=left| UEFA Champions League
| align=left| 14 September 2005 | align=left| 5 April 2006 {{WDL|10|4|3|3|for=8|against=7|diff=yes}} |
| colspan="3"| Total
{{WDLtot|49|27|11|11|for=64|against=38|diff=yes}} |
=Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira=
{{main|2005 Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira}}
{{Football box collapsible
|round =
|date = 13 August 2005
|time = 21:15
|team1 = Benfica
|score = 1–0
|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=2006154500201011
|team2 = Vitória de Setúbal
|goals1 = Nuno Gomes {{goal|51}}
|goals2 =
|location = Faro
|stadium = Estádio do Algarve
|attendance =
|referee = Olegário Benquerença
|result = W
}}
=Primeira Liga=
{{main|2005–06 Primeira Liga}}
==League table==
{{:2005–06 Primeira Liga|showteam=BEN}}
==Results by round==
{{#invoke:sports rbr table|table|legendpos=b|header=Round
|label1= Ground
| res1=A/H/A/H/A/H/A/H/A/H/A/H/A/H/H/A/H/H/A/H/A/H/A/H/A/H/A/H/A/H/A/A/H/A
|label2= Result
| res2=D/L/L/W/W/W/W/W/D/D/L/D/W/W/W/W/W/W/W/L/L/W/L/W/W/D/W/W/W/D/W/D/W/L
|label3= Position
| res3=9/14/16/11/9/5/4/3/4/4/6/6/6/5/5/3/2/2/2/2/3/3/4/4/3/3/3/3/3/3/3/3/3/3
|text_H=Home|text_A=Away
|color_W=green2|text_W=Win
|color_D=yellow2|text_D=Draw
|color_L=red2|text_L=Loss
|color_1=1st|color_2=2nd|color_3=3rd|color_18-=red1
|source=[https://www.foradejogo.net/team.php?team=2&ano=2006&escalao=0&mode=M ForaDeJogo.net]
}}
==Matches==
{{Football box collapsible
|round = 1
|date = 20 August 2005
|time = 21:30
|team1 = Académica
|score = 0–0
|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=200615400010107
|team2 = Benfica
|goals1 =
|goals2 = Pereira {{sentoff|2|70|90}}
|location = Coimbra
|stadium = Estádio Cidade de Coimbra
|attendance = 25,084
|referee = Bruno Paixão
|result = D
}}
{{Football box collapsible
|round = 2
|date = 27 August 2005
|time = 21:15
|team1 = Benfica
|score = 0–2
|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=200615400010207
|team2 = Gil Vicente
|goals1 =
|goals2 = Marcos António {{goal|66}}
Anderson {{goal|84|o.g.}}
|location = Lisbon
|stadium = Estádio da Luz
|attendance = 20,000
|referee = Rui Costa
|result = L
}}
{{Football box collapsible
|round = 3
|date = 10 September 2005
|time = 21:30
|team1 = Sporting CP
|score = 2–1
|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=200615400010306
|team2 = Benfica
|goals1 = Loureiro {{goal|38}}
Liédson {{goal|75}}
|goals2 = Rocha {{sentoff|0|51}}
Simão {{goal|65}}
|location = Lisbon
|stadium = Estádio José Alvalade
|attendance = 43,162
|referee = Paulo Costa
|result = L
}}
{{Football box collapsible
|round = 4
|date = 18 September 2005
|time = 19:15
|team1 = Benfica
|score = 4–0
|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=200615400010406
|team2 = União de Leiria
|goals1 = Anderson {{goal|4}}
Nuno Gomes {{goal|42||62||86}}
|goals2 =
|location = Lisbon
|stadium = Estádio da Luz
|attendance = 31,776
|referee = Elmano Santos
|result = W
}}
{{Football box collapsible
|round = 5
|date = 23 September 2005
|time = 20:30
|team1 = Penafiel
|score = 1–3
|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=200615400010505
|team2 = Benfica
|goals1 = M. Ferreira {{goal|80}}
Bruno Amaro {{sentoff|2|78|93}}
|goals2 = Nuno Gomes {{goal|5||84}}
Simão {{goal|12}}
|location = Penafiel
|stadium = Estádio Municipal 25 de Abril
|attendance = 5,000
|referee = Olegário Benquerença
|result = W
}}
{{Football box collapsible
|round = 6
|date = 3 October 2005
|time = 20:15
|team1 = Benfica
|score = 2–1
|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=200615400010605
|team2 = Vitória de Guimarães
|goals1 = Miccoli {{goal|20}}
Simão {{goal|68}}
|goals2 = Targino {{goal|31}}
|location = Lisbon
|stadium = Estádio da Luz
|attendance = 33,344
|referee = Nuno Almeida
|result = W
}}
{{Football box collapsible
|round = 7
|date = 15 October 2005
|time = 20:15
|team1 = Porto
|score = 0–2
|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=200615400010704
|team2 = Benfica
|goals1 = Bruno Alves {{sentoff|0|81}}
|goals2 = Nuno Gomes {{goal|56||64}}
Léo {{sentoff|2|72|86}}
|location = Porto
|stadium = Estádio do Dragão
|attendance = 50,109
|referee = Lucílio Baptista
|result = W
}}
{{Football box collapsible
|round = 8
|date = 22 October 2005
|time = 21:00
|team1 = Benfica
|score = 2–0
|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=200615400010804
|team2 = Estrela da Amadora
|goals1 = Karyaka {{goal|50}}
Nuno Gomes {{goal|63}}
|goals2 =
|location = Lisbon
|stadium = Estádio da Luz
|attendance = 37,645
|referee = João Vilas Boas
|result = W
}}
{{Football box collapsible
|round = 9
|date = 29 October 2005
|time = 21:15
|team1 = Naval
|score = 1–1
|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=200615400010903
|team2 = Benfica
|goals1 = Bruno {{goal|72}}
|goals2 = Nuno Gomes {{goal|81}}
|location = Figueira da Foz
|stadium = Estádio Municipal José Bento Pessoa
|attendance = 6,000
|referee = António Costa
|result = D
}}
{{Football box collapsible
|round = 10
|date = 6 November 2005
|time = 19:15
|team1 = Benfica
|score = 2–2
|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=200615400011003
|team2 = Rio Ave
|goals1 = Petit {{goal|32||86}}
|goals2 = Cleiton {{goal|25}}
Onyemah {{goal|56}}
|location = Lisbon
|stadium = Estádio da Luz
|attendance = 35,246
|referee = Paulo Pereira
|result = D
}}
{{Football box collapsible
|round = 11
|date = 19 November 2005
|time = 17:00
|team1 = Braga
|score = 3–2
|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=200615400011102
|team2 = Benfica
|goals1 = Césinha {{goal|68}}
Bevacqua {{goal|87||90+5}}
|goals2 = Anderson {{goal|20}}
Nuno Gomes {{goal|90+4|pen.}}
|location = Braga
|stadium = Estádio Municipal de Braga
|attendance = 25,000
|referee = João Ferreira
|result = L
}}
{{Football box collapsible
|round = 12
|date = 27 November 2005
|time = 21:15
|team1 = Benfica
|score = 0–0
|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=200615400011202
|team2 = Belenenses
|goals1 =
|goals2 =
|location = Lisbon
|stadium = Estádio da Luz
|attendance = 27,323
|referee = Pedro Proença
|result = D
}}
{{Football box collapsible
|round = 13
|date = 3 December 2005
|time = 21:15
|team1 = Marítimo
|score = 0–1
|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=200615400011301
|team2 = Benfica
|goals1 =
|goals2 = Mantorras {{goal|66}}
|location = Funchal
|stadium = Estádio dos Barreiros
|attendance = 6,000
|referee = Paulo Paraty
|result = W
}}
{{Football box collapsible
|round = 14
|date = 11 December 2005
|time = 20:30
|team1 = Benfica
|score = 1–0
|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=200615400011401
|team2 = Boavista
|goals1 = Anderson {{goal|45}}
|goals2 =
|location = Lisbon
|stadium = Estádio da Luz
|attendance = 50,741
|referee = Lucílio Baptista
|result = W
}}
{{Football box collapsible
|round = 15
|date = 17 December 2005
|time = 19:15
|team1 = Benfica
|score = 1–0
|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=200615400011501
|team2 = Nacional
|goals1 = Nuno Gomes {{goal|72}}
Alcides {{sentoff|2|35|88}}
|goals2 =
|location = Lisbon
|stadium = Estádio da Luz
|attendance = 52,089
|referee = Jorge Sousa
|result = W
}}
{{Football box collapsible
|round = 16
|date = 21 December 2005
|time = 21:30
|team1 = Vitória de Setúbal
|score = 0–1
|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=200615400011602
|team2 = Benfica
|goals1 =
|goals2 = Nuno Gomes {{goal|90}}
|location = Setúbal
|stadium = Estádio do Bonfim
|attendance = 6,500
|referee = Carlos Xistra
|result = W
}}
{{Football box collapsible
|round = 17
|date = 8 January 2006
|time = 18:30
|team1 = Benfica
|score = 2–0
|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=200615400011702
|team2 = Paços de Ferreira
|goals1 = Nélson {{goal|10}}
Geovanni {{goal|66}}
|goals2 =
|location = Lisbon
|stadium = Estádio da Luz
|attendance = 53,145
|referee = Elmano Santos
|result = W
}}
{{Football box collapsible
|round = 18
|date = 15 January 2006
|time = 18:45
|team1 = Benfica
|score = 3–0
|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=200615400011807
|team2 = Académica
|goals1 = Simão {{goal|4|pen.}}
Luisão {{goal|78}}
Nuno Gomes {{goal|90+3}}
|goals2 =
|location = Lisbon
|stadium = Estádio da Luz
|attendance = 37,044
|referee = Artur Soares Dias
|result = W
}}
{{Football box collapsible
|round = 19
|date = 20 January 2006
|time = 21:30
|team1 = Gil Vicente
|score = 1–3
|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=200615400011907
|team2 = Benfica
|goals1 = Nandinho {{goal|10|pen.}}
|goals2 = Simão {{goal|17|pen.}}
Geovanni {{goal|34}}
Marcos António {{goal|56|o.g.}}
|location = Barcelos
|stadium = Estádio Cidade de Barcelos
|attendance = 8,621
|referee = Paulo Baptista
|result = W
}}
{{Football box collapsible
|round = 20
|date = 28 January 2006
|time = 19:45
|team1 = Benfica
|score = 1–3
|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=200615400012006
|team2 = Sporting CP
|goals1 = Simão {{goal|28|pen.}}
|goals2 = Sá Pinto {{goal|65|pen.}}
Liédson {{goal|74||83}}
|location = Lisbon
|stadium = Estádio da Luz
|attendance = 63,489
|referee = Pedro Henriques
|result = L
}}
{{Football box collapsible
|round = 21
|date = 4 February 2006
|time = 21:30
|team1 = União de Leiria
|score = 3–1
|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=200615400012106
|team2 = Benfica
|goals1 = João Paulo {{goal|33}}
Felício {{goal|57}}
Maciel {{goal|88}}
|goals2 = Manduca {{goal|81}}
|location = Leiria
|stadium = Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa
|attendance = 16,796
|referee = António Costa
|result = L
}}
{{Football box collapsible
|round = 22
|date = 12 February 2006
|time = 21:30
|team1 = Benfica
|score = 4–0
|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=200615400012205
|team2 = Penafiel
|goals1 = Geovanni {{goal|37}}
Roberto {{goal|63|o.g.}}
Nuno Gomes {{goal|77}}
Simão {{goal|90 + 3}}
|goals2 =
|location = Lisbon
|stadium = Estádio da Luz
|attendance = 37,097
|referee = Nuno Almeida
|result = W
}}
{{Football box collapsible
|round = 23
|date = 18 February 2006
|time = 18:00
|team1 = Vitória de Guimarães
|score = 2–0
|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=200615400012305
|team2 = Benfica
|goals1 = Svärd {{goal|22}}
Neca {{goal|70}}
|goals2 =
|location = Guimarães
|stadium = Estádio D. Afonso Henriques
|attendance = 18,410
|referee = Lucílio Baptista
|result = L
}}
{{Football box collapsible
|round = 24
|date = 26 February 2006
|time = 19:45
|team1 = Benfica
|score = 1–0
|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=200615400012404
|team2 = Porto
|goals1 = Robert {{goal|40}}
|goals2 =
|location = Lisbon
|stadium = Estádio da Luz
|attendance = 57,787
|referee = João Ferreira
|result = W
}}
{{Football box collapsible
|round = 25
|date = 4 March 2006
|time = 21:30
|team1 = Estrela da Amadora
|score = 1–2
|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=200615400012504
|team2 = Benfica
|goals1 = Machado {{goal|31}}
|goals2 = Robert {{goal|51}}
Miccoli {{goal|90+1}}
|location = Lisbon
|stadium = Estádio da Reboleira
|attendance = 3,000
|referee = Paulo Costa
|result = W
}}
{{Football box collapsible
|round = 26
|date = 12 March 2006
|time = 19:45
|team1 = Benfica
|score = 0–0
|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=200615400012603
|team2 = Naval
|goals1 =
|goals2 = Franco {{sentoff|0|56}}
|location = Lisbon
|stadium = Estádio da Luz
|attendance = 49,193
|referee = Carlos Xistra
|result = D
}}
{{Football box collapsible
|round = 27
|date = 19 March 2006
|time = 18:30
|team1 = Rio Ave
|score = 0–1
|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=200615400012703
|team2 = Benfica
|goals1 =
|goals2 = Mantorras {{goal|90+3}}
|location = Vila do Conde
|stadium = Estádio do Rio Ave FC
|attendance = 4,000
|referee = Paulo Paraty
|result = W
}}
{{Football box collapsible
|round = 28
|date = 25 March 2006
|time = 19:00
|team1 = Benfica
|score = 1–0
|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=200615400012802
|team2 = Braga
|goals1 = Nuno Gomes {{goal|2}}
|goals2 = Luís Filipe {{sentoff|2|54|71}}
|location = Lisbon
|stadium = Estádio da Luz
|attendance = 49,628
|referee = Paulo Baptista
|result = W
}}
{{Football box collapsible
|round = 29
|date = 1 April 2006
|time = 21:15
|team1 = Belenenses
|score = 1–2
|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=200615400012902
|team2 = Benfica
|goals1 = José Pedro {{goal|9}}
|goals2 = Miccoli {{goal|23}}
Karagounis {{goal|30}}
|location = Lisbon
|stadium = Estádio do Restelo
|attendance = 12,000
|referee = Pedro Henriques
|result = W
}}
{{Football box collapsible
|round = 30
|date = 9 April 2006
|time = 18:30
|team1 = Benfica
|score = 2–2
|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=200615400013001
|team2 = Marítimo
|goals1 = Petit {{goal|79}}
Simão {{goal|90+6|pen.}}
|goals2 = Valnei {{goal|37}}
Zé Carlos {{goal|72}}
|attendance = 45,054
|location = Lisbon
|stadium = Estádio da Luz
|referee = Augusto Duarte
|result = D
}}
{{Football box collapsible
|round = 31
|date = 15 April 2006
|time = 21:15
|team1 = Boavista
|score = 0–2
|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=2006154500195110
|team2 = Benfica
|goals1 = Rosário {{sentoff|2|83|83}}
|goals2 = Tiago {{goal|51|o.g.}}
Mantorras {{goal|82}}
|location = Porto
|stadium = Estádio do Bessa
|attendance = 9,500
|referee = Bruno Paixão
|result = W
}}
{{Football box collapsible
|round = 32
|date = 23 April 2006
|time = 18:30
|team1 = Nacional
|score = 1–1
|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=200615400013201
|team2 = Benfica
|goals1 = R. Fernandes {{goal|88}}
|goals2 = Miccoli {{goal|47}}
|location = Funchal
|stadium = Estádio da Madeira
|attendance = 3,000
|referee = Olegário Benquerença
|result = D
}}
{{Football box collapsible
|round = 33
|date = 30 April 2006
|time = 18:30
|team1 = Benfica
|score = 1–0
|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=200615400013302
|team2 = Vitória de Setúbal
|goals1 = Anderson {{goal|25}}
|goals2 =
|location = Lisbon
|stadium = Estádio da Luz
|attendance = 51,448
|referee = Artur Soares Dias
|result = W
}}
{{Football box collapsible
|round = 34
|date = 7 May 2006
|time = 18:30
|team1 = Paços de Ferreira
|score = 3–1
|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=200615400013402
|team2 = Benfica
|goals1 = Édson {{goal|48}}
Júnior {{goal|67||90+2}}
|goals2 = Fernandes {{goal|36}}
|location = Paços de Ferreira
|stadium = Estádio da Mata Real
|attendance = 4,500
|referee = Lucílio Baptista
|result = L
}}
=Taça de Portugal=
{{main|2005-06 Taça de Portugal}}
{{Football box collapsible
|round = {{Tooltip|Fourth Rd|Fourth round}}
|date = 26 October 2005
|time = 19:45
|team1 = Leixões
|score = 1–2
|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=2006154500196050
|team2 = Benfica
|goals1 = Nuno Amaro {{goal|38}}
|goals2 = Simão {{goal|11||85}}
|location = Porto
|stadium = Estádio do Bessa
|attendance = 17,000
|referee = Carlos Xistra
|result = W
}}
{{Football box collapsible
|round = {{Tooltip|Fifth Rd|Fifth round}}
|date = 11 January 2006
|time = 17:45
|team1 = Tourizense
|score = 0–2
|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=200615400013101
|team2 = Benfica
|goals1 = Fernando {{sentoff|2|60|84}}
Simões {{sentoff|2|78|86}}
|goals2 = Robert {{goal|66}}
Nuno Gomes {{goal|79}}
|location = Tábua
|stadium = Estádio Municipal de Tábua
|attendance = 8,000
|referee = Carlos Xistra
|result = W
}}
{{Football box collapsible
|round = {{Tooltip|Sixth Rd|Sixth round}}
|date = 8 February 2006
|time = 20:45
|team1 = Benfica
|score = 0–0
|aet = yes
|penalties1= Robert {{pengoal}}
Luisão {{pengoal}}
Karagounis {{pengoal}}
Marcel {{pengoal}}
Simão {{pengoal}}
Carlitos {{pengoal}}
Alcides {{pengoal}}
|penaltyscore=5–3
|penalties2=Bruno {{pengoal}}
Juliano {{pengoal}}
Alonso {{pengoal}}
Patacas {{penmiss}}
|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=2006154500105050
|team2 = Nacional
|goals1 =
|goals2 =
|location = Lisbon
|stadium = Estádio da Luz
|attendance = 18,000
|referee = João Ferreira
|result = D
}}
{{Football box collapsible
|round = Quarter-finals
|date = 15 March 2006
|time = 20:45
|team1 = Benfica
|score = 0–1
|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=2006154500104040
|team2 = Vitória Guimarães
|goals1 =
|goals2 = Monteiro {{goal|23}}
|location = Lisbon
|stadium = Estádio da Luz
|attendance = 22,727
|referee = Jorge Sousa
|result = L
}}
=UEFA Champions League=
{{main|2005–06 UEFA Champions League}}
==Group D==
{{:2005–06 UEFA Champions League group stage|transcludesection=Group D|show_matches=n|showteam=BEN}}
{{football box collapsible
|date=14 September 2005
|round=1
|time=20:45
|team1=Benfica {{flagicon|POR}}
|score=1–0
|report=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2005/matches/round=2201/match=1100257/index.html
|team2={{flagicon|FRA}} Lille
|goals1=Miccoli {{goal|90+2}}
|goals2=
|stadium=Estádio da Luz, Lisbon
|attendance=38,000
|referee=Rene Temmink (Netherlands)
|result= W
}}
{{football box collapsible
|date=27 September 2005
|round=2
|time=20:45
|team1=Manchester United {{flagicon|ENG}}
|score=2–1
|report=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2005/matches/round=2201/match=1100273/index.html
|team2={{flagicon|POR}} Benfica
|goals1=Giggs {{goal|35}}
Van Nistelrooy {{goal|85}}
|goals2=Simão {{goal|59}}
|stadium=Old Trafford, Manchester
|attendance=66,100
|referee=Ľuboš Micheľ (Slovakia)
|result= L
}}
{{football box collapsible
|date=18 October 2005
|round=3
|time=20:45
|team1=Villarreal {{flagicon|ESP}}
|score=1–1
|report=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2005/matches/round=2201/match=1100289/index.html
|team2={{flagicon|POR}} Benfica
|goals1=Riquelme {{goal|72|pen.}}
|goals2=Fernandes {{goal|77}}
|stadium=Estadio El Madrigal, Villarreal
|attendance=20,000
|referee=Florian Meyer (Germany)
|result= D
}}
{{football box collapsible
|date=2 November 2005
|round= 4
|time=20:45
|team1=Benfica {{flagicon|POR}}
|score=0–1
|report=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2005/matches/round=2201/match=1100305/index.html
|team2={{flagicon|ESP}} Villarreal
|goals1=
|goals2=Senna {{goal|81}}
|stadium=Estádio da Luz, Lisbon
|attendance=30,000
|referee=Frank De Bleeckere (Belgium)
|result= L
}}
{{football box collapsible
|date=22 November 2005
|round=5
|time=20:45
|team1=Lille {{flagicon|FRA}}
|score=0–0
|report=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2005/matches/round=2201/match=81763/index.html
|team2={{flagicon|POR}} Benfica
|goals1=
|goals2=
|stadium=Stade de France, Paris
|attendance=76,200
|referee=Massimo Busacca (Switzerland)
|result= D
}}
{{football box collapsible
|date=7 December 2005
|time=20:45
|round=6
|team1=Benfica {{flagicon|POR}}
|score=2–1
|report=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2005/matches/round=2201/match=1100337/index.html
|team2={{flagicon|ENG}} Manchester United
|goals1=Geovanni {{goal|16}}
Beto {{goal|34}}
|goals2=Scholes {{goal|6}}
|stadium=Estádio da Luz, Lisbon
|attendance=64,000
|referee=Kyros Vassaras (Greece)
|result= W
}}
==Round of 16==
{{football box collapsible
|date=21 February 2006
|round= First leg
|time= 19:45
|team1=Benfica {{flagicon|POR}}
|score=1–0
|report=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2005/matches/round=2202/match=1102855/index.html
|team2={{flagicon|ENG}} Liverpool
|goals1=Luisão {{goal|84}}
|goals2=
|stadium=Estádio da Luz, Lisbon
|attendance=63,000
|referee=Konrad Plautz (Austria)
|result= W
}}
{{football box collapsible
|date=8 March 2006
|round= Second leg
|time= 19:45
|team1=Liverpool {{flagicon|ENG}}
|score=0–2
|aggregatescore=3–0
|report=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2005/matches/round=2202/match=1102856/index.html
|team2={{flagicon|POR}} Benfica
|goals1=
|goals2=Simão {{goal|36}}
Miccoli {{goal|89}}
|attendance=42,750
|referee=Massimo De Santis (Italy)
|result= W
}}
==Quarter-finals==
{{football box collapsible
|date=28 March 2006
|round= First leg
|time= 19:45
|team1=Benfica {{flagicon|POR}}
|score=0–0
|report=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2005/matches/round=2203/match=1105601/index.html
|team2={{flagicon|ESP}} Barcelona
|goals1=
|goals2=
|stadium=Estádio da Luz, Lisbon
|attendance=65,000
|referee=Steve Bennett (England)
|result= D
}}
{{football box collapsible
|date=5 April 2006
|round= Second leg
|time= 19:45
|team1=Barcelona {{flagicon|ESP}}
|score=2–0
|aggregatescore=2–0
|report=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2005/matches/round=2203/match=1105602/index.html
|team2={{flagicon|POR}} Benfica
|goals1=Ronaldinho {{goal|19}}
Eto'o {{goal|89}}
|goals2=
|attendance=89,875
|referee=Ľuboš Micheľ (Slovakia)
|result= L
}}
=Friendlies=
{{football box collapsible
|date = {{Start date|2005|07|10|df=y}}
|round =
|team1 = FC Sion
|score = 1–2
|report = https://www.thefinalball.com/jogo.php?id=189479
|team2 = Benfica
|goals1 = Thurre {{goal|61}}
|goals2 = Karadas {{goal|49}}
Geovanni {{goal|70}}
|stadium = Stade Tourbillon
|location = Sion, Switzerland
|attendance =
|referee =
|result = W
}}
{{football box collapsible
|date = {{Start date|2005|07|13|df=y}}
|round =
|team1 = Étoile Carouge
|score = 0–3
|report = https://www.thefinalball.com/jogo.php?id=189480
|team2 = Benfica
|goals1 =
|goals2 = Mantorras {{goal|25}}
Nuno Gomes {{goal|59|pen.|80}}
|stadium = Stade de la Fontenette
|location = Carouge, Switzerland
|attendance =
|referee =
|result = W
}}
{{football box collapsible
|date = {{Start date|2005|07|17|df=y}}
|round =
|team1 = Benfica
|score = 0–1
|report = https://www.thefinalball.com/jogo.php?id=183918
|team2 = Chelsea
|goals1 =
|goals2 = Rocha {{goal|43|o.g.}}
|stadium = Estádio da Luz
|attendance =
|referee=
|result = L
}}
{{football box collapsible
|date = {{Start date|2005|07|22|df=y}}
|round =
|team1 = Benfica
|score = 5–0
|report = https://www.thefinalball.com/jogo.php?id=196939
|team2 = West Bromwich
|goals1 = Geovanni {{goal|5||25||64}}
Roque {{goal|58}}
Simão {{goal|65}}
|goals2 =
|stadium = Estádio da Luz
|attendance =
|referee=
|result = W
}}
{{football box collapsible
|date = {{Start date|2005|07|27|df=y}}
|round =
|team1 = Barreirense
|score = 0–1
|report = https://www.thefinalball.com/jogo.php?id=196703
|team2 = Benfica
|goals1 =
|goals2 = Petit {{goal|78}}
|stadium = Estádio Dr. Manuel de Mello
|location = Barreiro, Portugal
|attendance =
|referee=
|result = W
}}
{{football box collapsible
|date = {{Start date|2005|07|30|df=y}}
|round =
|team1 = Vitória Guimarães
|score = 1–1
|report = https://www.thefinalball.com/jogo.php?id=189492
|team2 = Benfica
|goals1 = Saganowski {{goal|77}}
|goals2 = Beto {{goal|50}}
|stadium = Estádio D. Afonso Henriques
|location = Guimarães, Portugal
|attendance =
|referee= Paulo Costa
|result = D
}}
{{football box collapsible
|date = {{Start date|2005|08|2|df=y}}
|round =
|team1 = Estoril Praia
|score = 0–1
|report = https://www.thefinalball.com/jogo.php?id=197253
|team2 = Benfica
|goals1 =
|goals2 = Yohanna {{goal|83|o.g.}}
|stadium = Estádio António Coimbra da Mota
|attendance =
|referee =
|result = W
}}
{{football box collapsible
|date = {{Start date|2005|08|6|df=y}}
|round =
|team1 = Benfica
|score = 0–2
|report = https://www.thefinalball.com/jogo.php?id=195162
|team2 = Juventus
|goals1 =
|goals2 = Ibrahimović {{goal|5}}
Trezeguet {{goal|22}}
|stadium = Estádio da Luz
|attendance =
|referee=
|result = L
}}
Player statistics
The squad for the season consisted of the players listed in the tables below and staff members Ronald Koeman (manager), Bruins Slot (assistant manager) and Fernando Chalana (assistant manager).
{{small|Note 1: Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.}}
{{small|Note 2: Players with squad numbers marked ‡ joined the club during the 2005-2006 season via transfer, with more details in the following section.}}
{{Efs start|Primeira Liga|Taça de Portugal|Champions League|Supertaça}}
{{Efs player|no=1|nat=POR|name=José Moreira|pos=GK|6|-4|0|0|2|-2|1|0}}
{{Efs player|no=3{{Sup|‡}}|nat=BRA|name=Anderson|pos=DF|29|4|2|0|9|0|1|0}}
{{Efs player|no=4|nat=BRA|name=Luisão|pos=DF|31|1|3|0|10|1|1|0}}
{{Efs player|no=5{{Sup|‡}}|nat=BRA|name=Léo|pos=DF|26|0|3|0|9|0|0|0}}
{{Efs player|no=6|nat=POR|name=Petit|pos=MF|30|3|2|0|9|0|1|0}}
{{Efs player|no=7|nat=POR|name=Carlitos|pos=MF|1|0|0|0|0|0|0|0}}
{{Efs player|no=8|nat=POR|name=Bruno Aguiar|pos=MF|0|0|0|0|0|0|0|0}}
{{Efs player|no=9|nat=ANG|name=Mantorras|pos=FW|17|3|2|0|5|0|0|0}}
{{Efs player|no=10{{Sup|‡}}|nat=GRE|name=Georgios Karagounis|pos=MF|19|1|4|0|6|0|0|0}}
{{Efs player|no=11|nat=BRA|name=Geovanni|pos=MF|24|3|3|0|8|1|1|0}}
{{Efs player|no=12|nat=POR|name=Quim|pos=GK|7|-3|2|-1|3|-2|0|0}}
{{Efs player|no=13|nat=BRA|name=Alcides|pos=DF|12|0|2|0|4|0|0|0}}
{{Efs player|no=14|nat=POR|name=Manuel Fernandes|pos=MF|28|1|3|0|8|1|1|0}}
{{Efs player|no=15|nat=POR|name=Nuno Assis|pos=MF|10|0|0|0|2|0|0|0}}
{{Efs player|no=16{{Sup|‡}}|nat=BRA|name=Beto|pos=MF|24|0|4|0|8|1|1|0}}
{{Efs player|no=17{{Sup|‡}}|nat=RUS|name=Andrey Karyaka|pos=MF|9|1|1|0|1|0|1|0}}
{{Efs player|no=18|nat=FRA|name=Manuel dos Santos|pos=DF|3|0|0|0|0|0|1|0}}
{{Efs player|no=19|nat=BRA|name=Everson|pos=MF|0|0|0|0|0|0|0|0}}
{{Efs player|no=19{{Sup|‡}}|nat=BRA|name=Marcel|pos=FW|7|0|1|0|1|0|0|0}}
{{Efs player|no=20|nat=POR|name=Simão|pos=MF|24|8|3|2|8|2|1|0}}
{{Efs player|no=21|nat=POR|name=Nuno Gomes|pos=FW|29|15|4|1|8|0|1|1}}
{{Efs player|no=22{{Sup|‡}}|nat=POR|name=Nélson|pos=DF|24|0|2|0|7|0|0|0}}
{{Efs player|no=23{{Sup|‡}}|nat=BRA|name=Gustavo Manduca|pos=FW|16|1|3|0|0|0|0|0}}
{{Efs player|no=27|nat=POR|name=João Pereira|pos=DF|6|0|1|0|3|0|1|0}}
{{Efs player|no=28|nat=POR|name=Hélio Roque|pos=MF|3|0|0|0|0|0|1|0}}
{{Efs player|no=30{{Sup|‡}}|nat=ITA|name=Fabrizio Miccoli|pos=FW|17|4|0|0|6|2|0|0}}
{{Efs player|no=31{{Sup|‡}}|nat=BRA|name=Marcelo Moretto|pos=GK|18|-17|1|0|4|-2|0|0}}
{{Efs player|no=32{{Sup|‡}}|nat=POR|name=Marco Ferreira|pos=MF|5|0|1|0|0|0|0|0}}
{{Efs player|no=33|nat=POR|name=Ricardo Rocha|pos=DF|26|0|4|0|9|0|1|0}}
{{Efs player|no=34{{Sup|‡}}|nat=FRA|name=Laurent Robert|pos=MF|13|2|3|1|3|0|0|0}}
{{Efs player|no=39|nat=POR|name=João Coimbra|pos=MF|1|0|0|0|0|0|0|0}}
{{Efs player|no=43|nat=POR|name=Rui Nereu|pos=GK|4|-3|1|-1|2|-2|0|0}}
|}
Transfers
=In=
| class="wikitable sortable" |
| Entry date
! Position ! Player ! From club ! Fee ! Ref |
|---|
| 3 June 2005
| style="text-align:center;"| DM | style="text-align:left;"| Beto | style="text-align:left;"| Beira-Mar |Undisclosed |
| 21 June 2005
| style="text-align:center;"| AM | style="text-align:left;"| Diego Souza | style="text-align:left;"| Fluminense |Undisclosed |
| 2 July 2005
| style="text-align:center;"| AM | style="text-align:left;"| Karyaka | style="text-align:left;"| Krylia Sovetov |Undisclosed |
| 3 July 2005
| style="text-align:center;"| CB | style="text-align:left;"| Anderson | style="text-align:left;"| Corinthians |Undisclosed |
| 12 July 2005
| style="text-align:center;"| LB | style="text-align:left;"| Léo | style="text-align:left;"| Santos |Undisclosed |
| 24 August 2005
| style="text-align:center;"| RB | style="text-align:left;"| Nélson | style="text-align:left;"| Boavista |Undisclosed |
| 30 August 2005
| style="text-align:center;"| AM | style="text-align:left;"| Karagounis | style="text-align:left;"| Internazionale | Undisclosed |
| 28 December 2005
| style="text-align:center;"| LW | style="text-align:left;"| Gustavo Manduca | style="text-align:left;"| Marítimo |Undisclosed |
| 2 January 2006
| style="text-align:center;"| GK | style="text-align:left;"| Marcelo Moretto | style="text-align:left;"| Vitória Setúbal |Undisclosed |
| 2 January 2006
| style="text-align:center;"| RW | style="text-align:left;"| Marco Ferreira | style="text-align:left;"| Penafiel |Undisclosed |
| 4 January 2006
| style="text-align:center;"| LW | style="text-align:left;"| Laurent Robert | style="text-align:left;"| Newcastle United |Undisclosed |
=In by loan=
| class="wikitable sortable" |
| Entry date
! Position ! Player ! From club ! Exit date ! Ref |
|---|
| 1 July 2005
| style="text-align:center;"| CB | style="text-align:left;"| Alcides | style="text-align:left;"| Chelsea |30 June 2006 |
| 31 August 2005
| style="text-align:center;"| FW | style="text-align:left;"| Fabrizio Miccoli | style="text-align:left;"| Juventus |30 June 2006 |
| 17 January 2006
| style="text-align:center;"| ST | style="text-align:left;"| Marcel | style="text-align:left;"| Académica |30 June 2006 |
=Out=
| class="wikitable sortable" |
| Entry date
! Position ! Player ! From club ! Fee ! Ref |
|---|
| 1 June 2005
| style="text-align:center;"| FW | style="text-align:left;"| Šokota | style="text-align:left;"| Porto |Free |
| 1 June 2005
| style="text-align:center;"| ST | style="text-align:left;"| Andrija Delibašić | style="text-align:left;"| Mallorca |Loan end |
| 5 August 2005
| style="text-align:center;"| LB | style="text-align:left;"| Takis Fyssas | style="text-align:left;"| Hearts | Undisclosed |
| 17 August 2005
| style="text-align:center;"| CM | style="text-align:left;"| Ednilson | style="text-align:left;"| OFI Crete |Free |
| 18 August 2005
| style="text-align:center;"| RB | style="text-align:left;"| Miguel | style="text-align:left;"| Valencia | Undisclosed |
| 20 August 2005
| style="text-align:center;"| LB | style="text-align:left;"| Alex | style="text-align:left;"| Wolfsburg |Undisclosed |{{cite web|url=http://www.shortnews.de/id/586148/Fussball-VfL-Wolfsburg-verpflichtet-portugiesischen-Verteidiger-Alex |title=Fußball: VfL Wolfsburg verpflichtet portugiesischen Verteidiger Alex |trans-title=Football: VfL Wolfsburg acquires Portuguese defender Alex |publisher=kicker |language=German |date=20 August 2005 |access-date=22 March 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717035913/http://www.shortnews.de/id/586148/Fussball-VfL-Wolfsburg-verpflichtet-portugiesischen-Verteidiger-Alex |archive-date=17 July 2011 }} |
| 16 January 2006
| style="text-align:center;"| LB | style="text-align:left;"| Manuel dos Santos | style="text-align:left;"| Monaco |Free |
| 10 January 2006
| style="text-align:center;"| CM | style="text-align:left;"| Bruno Aguiar | style="text-align:left;"| Hearts |Free |
| 24 April 2006
| style="text-align:center;"| DM | style="text-align:left;"| Paulo Almeida | style="text-align:left;"| Corinthians |Free |
=Out by loan=
| class="wikitable sortable" |
| Entry date
! Position ! Player ! From club ! Exit date ! Ref |
|---|
| 29 June 2005
| style="text-align:center;"| CB | style="text-align:left;"| Eurípedes Amoreirinha | style="text-align:left;"| Estrela da Amadora |30 June 2006 |
| 29 June 2005
| style="text-align:center;"| RW | style="text-align:left;"| Manú | style="text-align:left;"| Estrela da Amadora |30 June 2006 |
| 11 July 2005
| style="text-align:center;"| CB | style="text-align:left;"| André Luís | style="text-align:left;"| Marseille |30 June 2006 |
| 21 July 2005
| style="text-align:center;"| GK | style="text-align:left;"| Yannick Quesnel | style="text-align:left;"| Marseille |30 June 2006 |
| 21 July 2005
| style="text-align:center;"| ST | style="text-align:left;"| Azar Karadas | style="text-align:left;"| Portsmouth |30 June 2006 |
| 28 July 2005
| style="text-align:center;"| AM | style="text-align:left;"| Diego Souza | style="text-align:left;"| Flamengo |30 June 2006 |
| 3 January 2006
| style="text-align:center;"| LW | style="text-align:left;"| Hélio Roque | style="text-align:left;"| Vitória Setúbal |30 June 2006 |
| 9 January 2006
| style="text-align:center;"| RW | style="text-align:left;"| Carlitos | style="text-align:left;"| Vitória Setúbal |30 June 2006 |
| 16 January 2006
| style="text-align:center;"| CM | style="text-align:left;"| Everson | style="text-align:left;"| Young Boys |30 June 2006 |
See also
References
; Specific
{{Reflist}}
; General
- {{cite book | last=Tovar |first=Rui Miguel | title=Almanaque do Benfica|trans-title=Benfica Almanac| publisher=Lua de Papel |location=Portugal| year=2012| isbn=978-989-23-2087-8 }}
{{S.L. Benfica seasons}}
{{2005–06 in Portuguese football}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:2005-06 S.L. Benfica season}}