:2008–09 S.L. Benfica season
{{good article}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2015}}
{{Infobox football club season
| club = Benfica
| season = 2008–09
| chrtitle = President
| chairman = Luís Filipe Vieira
| manager = Quique Sánchez Flores
| stadium = Estádio da Luz
| league = Primeira Liga
| league result = 3rd
| cup3 = UEFA Cup
| cup3 result = Group stage (5th)
| cup1 = Taça de Portugal
| cup1 result = Fifth round
| cup2 = Taça da Liga
| cup2 result = Winners
| league topscorer = Óscar Cardozo (17)
| season topscorer = Óscar Cardozo (17)
| highest attendance = 60,022 v Sporting CP{{cite web |url=http://www.ligaportugal.pt/pt/liga/estatisticas/espectadores/jogo/20082009/primeiraliga |title=Painel de Espectadores |trans-title=Attendance list per match |work=ligaportugal.pt |access-date=20 August 2016 |language=Portuguese |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160821044438/http://www.ligaportugal.pt/pt/liga/estatisticas/espectadores/jogo/20082009/primeiraliga |archive-date=21 August 2016 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}
(27 September 2008)
| lowest attendance = 9,570 v Metalist Kharkiv
(18 December 2008)
| largest win = Marítimo 0–6 Benfica
(7 December 2008)
| largest loss = Olympiacos 5–1 Benfica
(27 November 2008)
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| pattern_b1 = _benfica0809H
| pattern_ra1 = _benfica0809h
| pattern_sh1 = _benfica0809h
| pattern_so1 = _adidaswhitel
| leftarm1 =
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| rightarm1 =
| shorts1 =
| socks1 = FF0000
| pattern_la2 = _benfica0809a
| pattern_b2 = _benfica0809A
| pattern_ra2 = _benfica0809a
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| prevseason = 2007–08
| nextseason = 2009–10
}}
The 2008–09 European football season was Sport Lisboa e Benfica's 105th season and their 75th consecutive season in the top flight of Portuguese football. The season ran from 1 July 2008 to 30 June 2009, with Benfica competing domestically in the Primeira Liga, Taça de Portugal and Taça da Liga. The club also participated in the UEFA Cup, since they finished fourth in the Primeira Liga the previous season.
After José Antonio Camacho's March 2008 resignation, Benfica did not have a permanent manager. The club inquired about Quique Sánchez Flores, Sven-Göran Eriksson and others, ultimately choosing Flores. Rui Costa led the transfer activity as Benfica continued to invest heavily, spending nearly €19 million on Javier Balboa, Carlos Martins, Pablo Aimar and Sidnei and bringing in José Antonio Reyes and David Suazo on loan. Major departures included Rui Costa, Cristian Rodríguez, Petit and Nélson.
Benfica's season began inauspiciously, but they quickly recovered, gaining momentum domestically and eliminating Napoli to qualify for the group stage of the UEFA Cup. Until January, the club's performance fluctuated in their European campaign and the domestic league. Although they finished last in the former, they reached first place in the Primeira Liga for the first time since 2005.
In the new year, Benfica suffered their first league loss, falling to second place and beginning their erratic spell. Despite a sterling League Cup (where they earned their first honour in four seasons), the club's league play was not as impressive. They battled Porto for first place until March, when they had another costly loss and were passed by Sporting CP. Benfica tried to retake second place in the remaining eight matches, but in early May, the club dropped five points, sealing their fate; they finished third, missing the UEFA Champions League for a second consecutive season.
Season summary
=Pre-season=
In February 2008, club president Luís Filipe Vieira announced that a new director of football for 2008–09 had been selected.{{cite news|title=Director desportivo escolhido|trans-title=Sports director chosen|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/director-desportivo-escolhido.html|access-date=26 January 2016|work=Record|date=28 February 2008|language=Portuguese}} Although he did not name the individual, one month later Rui Costa confirmed that he would oversee Benfica's football division.{{cite news|title=Rui Costa: "Sucesso seja em que posição for"|trans-title=Rui Costa: "Success wherever position it may be"|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/rui-costa-sucesso-seja-em-que-posicao-for.html|access-date=26 January 2016|work=Record|date=30 March 2003|language=Portuguese}} With the unexpected resignation of head coach José Antonio Camacho on 10 March, assistant Fernando Chalana led the team through the final two months of the season.{{cite news|title=Vieira: "Novo treinador só no final da época"|trans-title=Vieira: "New manager only at the end of the season"|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/vieira-novo-treinador-so-no-final-da-epoca.html|access-date=26 January 2016|work=Record|date=30 March 2008|language=Portuguese}} On 12 April Spanish manager Quique Sánchez Flores confirmed contacts from Benfica, who wanted him to take over the team immediately.{{cite news|title=Quique Flores: "Benfica contactou o meu empresário"|trans-title=Quique Flores: "Benfica contacted my representative"|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/quique-flores-benfica-contactou-o-meu-empresario.html|access-date=26 January 2016|work=Record|date=12 April 2008|language=Portuguese}} Sánchez Flores declined the offer because he did not wish to be a temporary manager, and preferred to join a team at the beginning of the season.{{cite news|title=Quique Flores recusou vir agora|trans-title=Quique Flores refused to come immediately|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/quique-flores-recusou-vir-agora.html|access-date=26 January 2016|work=Record|language=Portuguese}}
On 7 May, Vieira and Rui Costa travelled to Manchester to persuade Sven-Göran Eriksson to return for a third stint with Benfica.{{cite news|title=Vieira e Rui Costa em Manchester|trans-title=Vieira and Rui Costa in Manchester|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/vieira-e-rui-costa-em-manchester.html|access-date=26 January 2016|work=Record|date=7 May 2008|language=Portuguese}} Although both sides confirmed the meeting, after more than a week without an agreement the club moved on to other coaching candidates.{{cite news|title=Águias confirmam conversa com Eriksson|trans-title=Eagles confirmed contacts with Eriksson|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/aguias-confirmam-conversa-com-eriksson.html|access-date=26 January 2016|work=Record|date=8 May 2008|language=Portuguese}}{{cite news|title=Eriksson: "Estou a considerar oferta"|trans-title=Eriksson: "I'm evaluating the offer"|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/eriksson-estou-a-considerar-oferta.html|access-date=26 January 2016|work=Record|date=8 May 2008|language=Portuguese}}{{cite news|title=Águias descartam Eriksson|trans-title=Eagles discard Eriksson|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/aguias-descartam-eriksson.html|access-date=26 January 2016|work=Record|date=14 May 2008|language=Portuguese}} Benfica then contacted Getafe manager Michael Laudrup{{cite news|title=Águias não estão sós na corrida por Laudrup|trans-title=Eagles are not alone in the race for Michael Laudrup|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/aguias-nao-estao-sos-na-corrida-por-laudrup.html|access-date=26 January 2016|work=Record|date=19 May 2008|language=Portuguese}} and Brazilian manager Zico.{{cite news|title=Águias abordam Zico|trans-title=Eagles approach Zico|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/aguias-abordam-zico.html|access-date=26 January 2016|work=Record|date=21 May 2008|language=Portuguese}} After failing to come to terms with either, the club turned to first choice Sánchez Flores and signed him on 24 May.{{cite news|title=Benfica appoint Flores as coach|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/7418607.stm|access-date=26 January 2016|work=BBC Sport|date=24 May 2008}} Sánchez Flores would be aided by technical assistant Fran Escribá, goalkeeper coach Emilio Álvarez and fitness coach Pako Ayestarán, with Diamantino Miranda and Chalana links to club management.{{cite news|title=Equipa técnica está fechada|trans-title=Technical staff set|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/equipa-tecnica-esta-fechada.html|access-date=26 January 2016|work=Record|date=27 May 2008|language=Portuguese}}{{cite news|title=Quique e os cinco na casa de partida|trans-title=Quique and the five at the start point|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/quique-e-os-cinco-na-casa-de-partida.html|access-date=26 January 2016|work=Record|date=30 May 2008|language=Portuguese}}
Benfica made their first transfer deals in late April, adding Ruben Amorim and Jorge Ribeiro, both of whom had previously played for Benfica.{{cite news|title=Transferência de Amorim confirmada|trans-title=Signing of Amorim confirmed|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/transferencia-de-amorim-confirmada.html|access-date=26 January 2016|work=Record|date=18 April 2008|language=Portuguese}}{{cite news|title=Jorge Ribeiro contratado|trans-title=Jorge Ribeiro signed|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/jorge-ribeiro-contratado.html|access-date=26 January 2016|work=Record|date=20 April 2008|language=Portuguese}} With Sánchez Flores in charge, Benfica added midfielder Hassan Yebda on a free transfer{{cite news|title=Rui Costa: "Yebda é um reforço importante"|trans-title=Rui Costa: "Yebda is an important signing"|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/rui-costa-yebda-e-um-reforco-importante.html|access-date=26 January 2016|work=Record|date=29 May 2008|language=Portuguese}} and spent €4 million on Javier Balboa from Real Madrid.{{cite news|title=Comunicado|trans-title=Announcement|url=http://www.slbenfica.pt/Portals/0/Documentos/Estatutos/Informacoes%20Privilegiadas_2008/Comunicado_25-06-2008.pdf|access-date=26 January 2016|work=SL Benfica|publisher=CMVM|date=25 June 2008|language=Portuguese|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120127085129/http://www.slbenfica.pt/Portals/0/Documentos/Estatutos/Informacoes%20Privilegiadas_2008/Comunicado_25-06-2008.pdf|archive-date=27 January 2012}} Balboa was signed only three days after the shock transfer of former Paris Saint-Germain loan Cristian Rodríguez to rival Porto. Although Benfica negotiated with PSG and the Uruguayan for months, the sides could not reach an agreement.{{cite news|title=Porto pick up Rodríguez|url=https://www.uefa.com/memberassociations/news/newsid=726056.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101127023511/http://www.uefa.com/memberassociations/news/newsid=726056.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=27 November 2010|access-date=26 January 2016|work=UEFA|date=22 June 2008}} During the next few weeks Benfica continued to spend, paying €3 million to Recreativo de Huelva for Carlos Martins{{cite news|title=Comunicado|trans-title=Announcement|url=http://www.slbenfica.pt/Portals/0/Documentos/Estatutos/Informacoes%20Privilegiadas_2008/Comunicado_30-06-2008.pdf|access-date=26 January 2016|work=SL Benfica|publisher=CMVM|date=30 June 2008|language=Portuguese|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120127084945/http://www.slbenfica.pt/Portals/0/Documentos/Estatutos/Informacoes%20Privilegiadas_2008/Comunicado_30-06-2008.pdf|archive-date=27 January 2012}} and €6.5 million two weeks later, after a prolonged transfer saga, to Real Zaragoza for Pablo Aimar.{{cite news|title=Comunicado|trans-title=Announcement|url=http://www.slbenfica.pt/Portals/0/Documentos/Estatutos/Informacoes%20Privilegiadas_2008/Comunicado-16-07-2008.pdf|access-date=26 January 2016|work=SL Benfica|publisher=CMVM|date=16 July 2008|language=Portuguese|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140914224232/http://www.slbenfica.pt/Portals/0/Documentos/Estatutos/Informacoes%20Privilegiadas_2008/Comunicado-16-07-2008.pdf|archive-date=14 September 2014}}
File:Benfica.jpg and one Latin Cup at the Eusébio Cup on 15 August]]
The club's pre-season began on 8 July with two days of medical tests.{{cite news|title=Arrancou a pré-época|trans-title=Pre-season has started|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/arrancou-a-pre-epoca.html|access-date=27 January 2016|work=Record|date=8 July 2008|language=Portuguese}} Benfica's first training session was held two days later, nine days before their first pre-season match with Estoril.{{cite news|title=Primeiro treino da época será aberto ao público|trans-title=First training session will be open to the fans|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/primeiro-treino-da-epoca-sera-aberto-ao-publico.html|access-date=27 January 2016|work=Record|date=7 July 2008|language=Portuguese}}{{cite news|title=Estoril-Benfica, 1-1 (Nuno Sousa 63'; Yebda 12')|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/estoril/detalhe/estoril-benfica-1-1-nuno-sousa-63-yebda-12.html|access-date=27 January 2016|work=Record|date=19 July 2008|language=Portuguese|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160302034737/http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/estoril/detalhe/estoril-benfica-1-1-nuno-sousa-63-yebda-12.html|archive-date=2 March 2016|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}} After a draw with Estori, the club lost Guadiana Trophy matches to Blackburn Rovers and Sporting CP.{{cite news|title=Benfica-Blackburn, 2-3 (Urreta 7', Makukula 67'; Pederson 33', Roberts 35', Emerton 50')|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/benfica-blackburn-2-3-urreta-7-makukula-67-pederson-33-roberts-35-emerton-50.html|access-date=27 January 2016|work=Record|date=25 July 2007|language=Portuguese}}{{cite news|title=Benfica-Sporting, 0-2 (Yannick 57', Derlei 71')|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/sporting/detalhe/benfica-sporting-0-2-yannick-57-derlei-71.html|access-date=27 January 2016|work=Record|date=27 July 2008|language=Portuguese}} That week Benfica made more squad adjustments, paying €5 million for 18-year old Sidnei{{cite news|title=Comunicado|trans-title=Announcement|url=http://www.slbenfica.pt/Portals/0/Documentos/Estatutos/Informacoes%20Privilegiadas_2008/Comunicado_24-07-2008.pdf|access-date=26 January 2016|work=SL Benfica|publisher=CMVM|date=24 July 2008|language=Portuguese|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120127085022/http://www.slbenfica.pt/Portals/0/Documentos/Estatutos/Informacoes%20Privilegiadas_2008/Comunicado_24-07-2008.pdf|archive-date=27 January 2012}} and releasing Petit after six years with the club.{{cite news|title=Petit: "Tenho de agradecer a disponibilidade do Benfica"|trans-title=Petit: "I have to thank Benfica's availability"|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/petit-tenho-de-agradecer-a-disponibilidade-do-benfica.html|access-date=27 January 2016|work=Record|date=29 July 2008|language=Portuguese}} Early in August, Benfica won the Cidade de Guimarães Trophy against Paris Saint-Germain and Vitória de Guimarães, drawing with the former and defeating the latter.{{cite news|title=Benfica-Paris Saint-Germain, 2-2 (Makukula, 74', Cardozo 81'; Pancrate 38', 58')|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/benfica-paris-saint-germain-2-2-makukula-74-cardozo-81-pancrate-38-58.html|access-date=27 January 2016|work=Record|date=2 August 2008|language=Portuguese}} Before their presentation match with Feyenoord, Benfica signed Spanish winger José Antonio Reyes in a €2.6 million loan deal.{{cite news|title=Comunicado|trans-title=Announcement|url=http://www.slbenfica.pt/Portals/0/Documentos/Estatutos/Informacoes%20Privilegiadas_2008/Comunicado_07-08-2008.pdf|access-date=26 January 2016|work=SL Benfica|publisher=CMVM|date=7 August 2008|language=Portuguese|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120127085507/http://www.slbenfica.pt/Portals/0/Documentos/Estatutos/Informacoes%20Privilegiadas_2008/Comunicado_07-08-2008.pdf|archive-date=27 January 2012}} In the match with Feyenoord, Óscar Cardozo scored the winning goal for Benfica.{{cite news|title=Benfica-Feyenoord, 1-0 (Cardozo 69')|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/benfica-feyenoord-1-0-cardozo-69.html|access-date=27 January 2016|work=Record|date=9 August 2008|language=Portuguese}} The club ended its preparation for the season against Inter Milan on 15 August in the new Eusébio Cup.{{cite news|title=Quique promete melhor equipa Taça Eusébio|trans-title=Quique promises best team at the Eusebio Cup|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/quique-promete-melhor-equipa-taca-eusebio.html|access-date=27 January 2016|work=Record|date=31 July 2008|language=Portuguese}} After a goalless draw in regular time, the Milanese won on penalties.{{cite news|title=Benfica-Inter, 0-0 (4-5 g.p.)|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/benfica-inter-0-0-4-5-gp.html|access-date=27 January 2016|work=Record|date=15 August 2008|language=Portuguese}}
=August–September=
Benfica's first competitive game was an away Primeira Liga opener against Rio Ave. Sánchez Flores did not have Reyes, and Jonathan Urretaviscaya started instead.{{cite news|title=Quique Flores: "Equipa tem alternativa a Reyes"|trans-title=Quique Flores: "Team has alternatives to Reyes"|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/quique-flores-equipa-tem-alternativa-a-reyes.html|access-date=28 January 2016|work=Record|date=23 August 2008|language=Portuguese}} At the Estádio dos Arcos, the home team scored first with a 55th-minute goal from José Semedo. A minute later Benfica evened the score, with Urreta assisting Nuno Gomes for the 1–1 final result.{{cite news|title=Rio Ave-Benfica, 1-1 (Semedo 55'; Nuno Gomes 56')|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/rio-ave/detalhe/rio-ave-benfica-1-1-semedo-55-nuno-gomes-56.html|access-date=28 January 2016|work=Record|date=24 August 2008|language=Portuguese}} It was the fourth consecutive time that Benfica failed to win their league start.{{cite news|title=Neblina sem fim|trans-title=Endless mist|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/neblina-sem-fim.html|access-date=28 January 2016|work=Record|date=25 August 2008|language=Portuguese}} Sánchez Flores said that Rio Ave created unexpected problems: "It was not a easy game. We had a quality opponent, who left us trailing when we were not expecting it."{{cite news|title=Quique Flores: "Não foi um jogo fácil"|trans-title=Quique Flores: "It was not an easy game"|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/quique-flores-nao-foi-um-jogo-facil.html|access-date=28 January 2016|work=Record|date=24 August 2008|language=Portuguese}} During the last week of August Benfica brought in Honduran striker David Suazo on loan,{{cite news|title=Empréstimo de Suazo assegurado|trans-title=Suazo's loan confirmed|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/emprestimo-de-suazo-assegurado.html|access-date=26 January 2016|work=Record|date=28 August 2008|language=Portuguese}} sold right-back Nélson Marcos to Betis{{cite news|title=Betis oficializa contratação de Nélson|trans-title=Bétis confirms signing of Nélson|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/internacional/detalhe/betis-oficializa-contratacao-de-nelson.html|access-date=28 January 2016|work=Record|date=28 August 2008|language=Portuguese}} and was paired with Italian side Napoli in the UEFA Cup first-round draw on 29 August.{{cite news|title=Duelo com Nápoles na Taça UEFA|trans-title=Battle with Napoli at the UEFA Cup|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/duelo-com-napoles-na-taca-uefa.html|access-date=28 January 2016|work=Record|date=29 August 2008|language=Portuguese}} A day later, Benfica hosted Porto for the first Clássico of the season. The visitors started better, converting a 10th-minute penalty kick for a Kostas Katsouranis foul against Lucho González. In the 56th minute, Cardozo exploited a mistake by Helton to head in the equaliser. Three minutes later Katsouranis was sent off, but Benfica held the tie until the final whistle.{{cite news|title=Benfica-FC Porto (Cardozo 56'; Lucho 11' gp)|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/fc-porto/detalhe/benfica-fc-porto-cardozo-56-lucho-11-gp.html|access-date=28 January 2016|work=Record|date=30 August 2008|language=Portuguese}} Quique Flores said, "It was a good game. In normal conditions we would have done better, but circumstances made it a little harder."{{cite news|title=Quique Flores: "Circunstâncias complicaram"|trans-title=Quique Flores: "Game events complicated everything"|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/quique-flores-circunstancias-complicaram.html|access-date=28 January 2016|work=Record|date=30 August 2008|language=Portuguese}}
After the first two weeks of September were dedicated to international football, Benfica returned to competition on the 18th. In the first leg of the qualifying stage for the UEFA Cup, the club faced Napoli at the Stadio San Paolo. Suazo began the scoring for Benfica with a 16th-minute header, but the lead lasted only two minutes. Luigi Vitale tied the score, and Germán Denis scored again for Napoli a minute later. In the second half Christian Maggio added another for Napoli, with Luisão scoring for Benfica three minutes later.{{cite news|title=Nápoles-Benfica, 3-2 (Vitale 18', Denis 20', Maggio 55'; Suazo 16', Luisão 60')|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/internacional/competicoes-de-clubes/liga-europa/detalhe/napoles-benfica-3-2-vitale-18-denis-20-maggio-55-suazo-16-luisao-60.html|access-date=1 February 2016|work=Record|date=18 September 2008|language=Portuguese}} Although Quique Flores believed that the loss was a combination of referee mistakes and errors by his players, he believed his club could qualify.{{cite news|title=Quique Flores com queixas da arbitragem|trans-title=Quique Flores complains of the referee|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/internacional/competicoes-de-clubes/liga-europa/detalhe/quique-flores-com-queixas-da-arbitragem.html|access-date=1 February 2016|work=Record|date=18 September 2008|language=Portuguese}} The following Monday, Benfica visited the Estádio da Mata Real to play Paços de Ferreira in a 4–3 win. Nuno Gomes scored the one-nil in the sixth minute, and Paços equalised less than 10 minutes later. Before half-time, Quique's men added two more goals. In the restart, Paços made the match 3–2 in the 63rd minute before Benfica responded with a fourth goal from Jorge Ribeiro. Before the final whistle, William scored another for Paços.{{cite news|title=P. Ferreira-Benfica, 3-4 (Ozeia 14', Rui Miguel 63' e William 86'; Nuno Gomes 7', Maxi Pereira 31', Cardozo 44' g.p. e Jorge Ribeiro 76')|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/p--ferreira/detalhe/p-ferreira-benfica-3-4-ozeia-14-rui-miguel-63-e-william-86-nuno-gomes-7-maxi-pereira-31-cardozo-44-gp-e-jorge-ribeiro-76.html|access-date=1 February 2016|work=Record|date=22 September 2008|language=Portuguese|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304192235/http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/p--ferreira/detalhe/p-ferreira-benfica-3-4-ozeia-14-rui-miguel-63-e-william-86-nuno-gomes-7-maxi-pereira-31-cardozo-44-gp-e-jorge-ribeiro-76.html|archive-date=4 March 2016|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}} Sánchez Flores said about his first win at Benfica, "I am happy for the fans, who needed this to feel that their team also fights for the league."{{cite news|title=Quique: "Feliz pelos adeptos"|trans-title=Quique: "I am happy for the fans"|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/quique-feliz-pelos-adeptos.html|access-date=1 February 2016|work=Record|date=22 September 2008|language=Portuguese}} On 27 September, Benfica hosted Sporting CP for the first Lisbon derby of the season. With the visitors enjoying a four-point lead in the league, Benfica had to win to move up in the standings. The game's only goals were in the second half, the first in the 67th minute when Pablo Aimar assisted Reyes; four minutes later, Sidnei headed in a free kick from Carlos Martins for the second.{{cite news|title=Benfica-Sporting, 2-0 (Reyes 67', Sidnei 72')|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/sporting/detalhe/benfica-sporting-2-0-reyes-67-sidnei-72.html|access-date=1 February 2016|work=Record|date=27 September 2008|language=Portuguese}} Sánchez Flores was encouraged by the victory against a team as strong as Sporting.{{cite news|title=Quique Flores: "Estamos naturalmente felizes"|trans-title=Quique: "We are naturally happy"|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/quique-flores-estamos-naturalmente-felizes.html|access-date=1 February 2016|work=Record|date=27 September 2008|language=Portuguese}}
=October–November=
October began with a crucial match against Napoli. Benfica had only defeated Italian teams four times, most recently on 29 March 1994.{{cite news|title=Repetir Parma|trans-title=Repeat Parma|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/internacional/competicoes-de-clubes/liga-europa/detalhe/repetir-parma.html|access-date=1 February 2016|work=Record|date=19 September 2008|language=Portuguese}} The club won with two second-half goals (an opener from Reyes and a confirmation goal from Nuno Gomes), qualifying for the group stage.{{cite news|title=Benfica 3-2 Napoli|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/match/303969--benfica-vs-napoli/|access-date=1 February 2016|work=UEFA|date=2 October 2008}} The victory placed Sánchez Flores in club history, since Benfica had never eliminated an Italian team after losing the first leg.{{cite news|title=Quique faz história|trans-title=Quique makes history|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/quique-faz-historia.html|access-date=1 February 2016|work=Record|date=3 October 2008|language=Portuguese}} The game was Benfica TV's first broadcast.{{cite news|title=Benfica TV sintonizada por 100 mil clientes Meo|trans-title=Benfica TV tuned in with 100 thousand clients|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/benfica-tv-sintonizada-por-100-mil-clientes-meo.html|access-date=1 February 2016|work=Record|date=3 October 2008|language=Portuguese}} On 6 October, the club played Leixões on the road. With the top of the Primeira Liga just three points away,{{cite news|title=Topo à vista|trans-title=Top on sight|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/topo-a-vista.html|access-date=1 February 2016|work=Record|date=6 October 2008|language=Portuguese}} Benfica could not beat the home team, losing two points; they led the game for over an hour, but were stopped by an 88th-minute equaliser from Wesley.{{cite news|title=Leixões-Benfica, 1-1 (Wesley 88'; Cardozo 33')|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/leixoes-benfica-1-1-wesley-88-cardozo-33.html|access-date=1 February 2016|work=Record|date=6 October 2008|language=Portuguese}} To Sánchez Flores, the draw was due to Benfica's performance: low possession, missed passes and fouls resulting in free kicks.{{cite news|title=Quique Flores: "Não jogámos bem"|trans-title=Quique Flores: "We did not play well"|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/quique-flores-nao-jogamos-bem.html|access-date=1 February 2016|work=Record|date=6 October 2008|language=Portuguese}} The following day, Benfica heard from UEFA headquarters in Nyon that their UEFA Cup group would include Olympiacos, Galatasaray, Hertha BSC and Metalist Kharkiv.{{cite news|title=Olympiacos, Galatasaray, Hertha e Metalist no grupo do Benfica|trans-title=Olympiacos, Galatasaray, Hertha and Metalist in Benfica's group|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/internacional/competicoes-de-clubes/liga-europa/detalhe/olympiacos-galatasaray-hertha-e-metalist-no-grupo-do-benfica.html|access-date=1 February 2016|work=Record|date=7 October 2008|language=Portuguese}} After a two-week break for international matches, competition resumed with the Taça de Portugal on the 18th. Benfica met third-tier side Penafiel at home; unable to defeat them in regular and extra time, they required penalty kicks. Luís Dias missed one for Penafiel, enabling Benfica to advance to the fifth round.{{cite news|title=Benfica-Penafiel, 0-0 (5-3 g.p.)|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/taca-de-portugal/detalhe/benfica-penafiel-0-0-5-3-gp.html|access-date=1 February 2016|work=Record|date=19 October 2008|language=Portuguese}} Sánchez Flores said, "We wanted to play good football, but that did not happen."{{cite news|title=Quique: "Queríamos ter jogado bem"|trans-title=Quique Flores: "We wanted to play well"|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/taca-de-portugal/detalhe/quique-queriamos-ter-jogado-bem.html|access-date=1 February 2016|work=Record|date=19 November 2008|language=Portuguese}} The following Thursday, Benfica travelled to Berlin to play Hertha in the Group B opening game. They took the lead with a 51st-minute goal from Ángel Di María, but Hertha responded with a 74th-minute equaliser when a shot by Marko Pantelić was deflected by Maxi Pereira.{{cite news|title=Pantelic pounces to earn Hertha a point|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/news/01d2-0e702c8ce72c-24c7172bfa07-1000--pantelic-pounces-to-earn-hertha-a-point/|access-date=1 February 2016|work=UEFA|date=24 October 2008|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180220112330/https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/season=2009/matches/round=15285/match=304170/postmatch/report/index.html|archive-date=20 February 2018}} Captain Nuno Gomes said that although an away draw in Europe was a good result, Hertha's equaliser was bitter for the team.{{cite news|title=Nuno Gomes: "Empate positivo com sabor amargo"|trans-title=Nuno Gomes: "Draw was good, albeit with a bitter taste"|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/internacional/competicoes-de-clubes/liga-europa/detalhe/nuno-gomes-empate-positivo-com-sabor-amargo.html|access-date=1 February 2016|work=Record|date=23 October 2008|language=Portuguese}} October ended with a home game against Naval. After a first half in which both teams failed to convert opportunities, Benfica scored their opening goal in the 71st minute. Naval evened the score eleven minutes later, but Cardozo responded with an 86th-minute winner for Benfica.{{cite news|title=Benfica vence Naval na Luz|url=https://www.cmjornal.pt/desporto/futebol/detalhe/benfica-vence-naval-na-luz?|access-date=1 February 2016|work=Correio da Manhã|date=26 October 2008|language=Portuguese}} Sánchez Flores said that the game was difficult because of his club's inconsistency.{{cite news|title=Quique Flores: "Foi um jogo complicado"|trans-title=Quique Flores: "It was a difficult game"|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/quique-flores-foi-um-jogo-complicado.html|access-date=1 February 2016|work=Record|date=26 October 2008|language=Portuguese}}
In November, Benfica had a busy schedule with six matches, two for the UEFA Cup. They began with a visit to Estádio D. Afonso Henriques, home of Vitória de Guimarães. David Suazo's 14th-minute goal was Benfica's 5,000th goal in competition.{{cite news|title=Um tiro mágico de Suazo|trans-title=A magical shot from Suazo|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/um-tiro-magico-de-suazo.html|access-date=2 February 2016|work=Record|date=3 November 2008|language=Portuguese}} Sidnei made the score 2–0, with Guimarães scoring a goal.{{cite news|title=V. Guimarães-Benfica, 1-2 (Douglas 41'; Suazo 15', Sidnei 18')|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/v--guimaraes/detalhe/v-guimaraes-benfica-1-2-douglas-41-suazo-15-sidnei-18.html|access-date=2 February 2016|work=Record|date=2 November 2008|language=Portuguese}} The win gave Benfica second place, one point shy of leader Leixões. Sánchez Flores attributed the victory to his players' commitment.{{cite news|title=Quique Flores: "Estou muito contente com os jogadores"|trans-title=Quique Flores: "I am very happy with my players"|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/quique-flores-estou-muito-contente-com-os-jogadores.html|access-date=2 February 2016|work=Record|date=2 November 2008|language=Portuguese}} The following Thursday, Benfica hosted Galatasaray in match-day two of the UEFA Cup. They lost two-nil, with second-half goals from Emre Aşık and Ümit Karan.{{cite news|title=Benfica scalp keeps Galatasaray climbing|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/news/01d3-0e705156e21f-4a94de2ae8e1-1000--benfica-scalp-keeps-galatasaray-climbing/|access-date=2 February 2016|work=UEFA|date=7 November 2008|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180220112149/https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/season=2009/matches/round=15285/match=304186/postmatch/report/index.html|archive-date=20 February 2018}} It was the club's first European loss to a Turkish team, and their largest home loss in European competition since 6 March 1997.{{cite news|title=Velhos fantasmas|trans-title=Old ghosts|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/velhos-fantasmas.html|access-date=2 February 2016|work=Record|date=7 November 2008|language=Portuguese}} With one point in two games, Benfica had to earn points in their next match to remain in the competition.{{cite news|title=Quique Flores: "Foi um dia mau"|trans-title=Quique Flores: "It was a bad day"|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/internacional/competicoes-de-clubes/liga-europa/detalhe/quique-flores-foi-um-dia-mau.html|access-date=2 February 2016|work=Record|date=6 November 2008|language=Portuguese}} On 10 November, the club romped over Desportivo das Aves in the Portuguese Cup. The Liga de Honra side was helpless against Benfica's offence, trailing three-nil at the 30-minute mark.{{cite news|title=Benfica-Aves, 3-0 (Yebda 3', Luisão 19', Maxi Pereira 30')|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/taca-de-portugal/detalhe/benfica-aves-3-0-yebda-3-luisao-19-maxi-pereira-30.html|access-date=2 February 2016|work=Record|date=10 November 2008|language=Portuguese}} Almost a week later, Benfica hosted a league game against Estrela da Amadora. After a first half in which they struggled to beat Estrela goalkeeper Nélson, in the 51st minute Nuno Gomes assisted Sidnei for the game's only goal.{{cite news|title=Benfica-E. Amadora, 1-0 (Sidnei 51')|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/benfica-e-amadora-1-0-sidnei-51.html|access-date=2 February 2016|work=Record|date=16 November 2008|language=Portuguese}} Sánchez Flores called the win important because it held Benfica's lead over their rivals.{{cite news|title=Quique Flores: "Momentos melhores que outros"|trans-title=Quique Flores: "Some moments better than others"|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/quique-flores-momentos-melhores-que-outros.html|access-date=2 February 2016|work=Record|date=16 November 2008|language=Portuguese}} The club continued to win domestically, with an away victory over Académica on the 23rd.{{cite news|title=Académica-Benfica, 0-2 (Ruben Amorim 31', Cardozo 47' gp)|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/academica-benfica-0-2-ruben-amorim-31-cardozo-47-gp.html|access-date=2 February 2016|work=Record|date=23 November 2008|language=Portuguese}} Earning 21 points in nine match days was a club high for the 2000s, matched only in 2000–01.{{cite news|title=Únicos invencíveis em ligas europeias|trans-title=Only team undefeated in Europe|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/unicos-invenciveis-em-ligas-europeias.html|access-date=2 February 2016|work=Record|date=24 November 2008|language=Portuguese}} Four days later, Benfica visited Karaiskakis Stadium to play Olympiacos. With a 39th-second goal from Luciano Galletti, the club trailed from the beginning. They conceded three more goals in the first half and a fifth in the second half, losing 5–1.{{cite news|title=Slick Olympiacos leave Benfica standing|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/news/01d3-0e7077dee685-95023ea6e066-1000--slick-olympiacos-leave-benfica-standing/|access-date=2 February 2016|work=UEFA|date=27 November 2008|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180220033210/https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/season=2009/matches/round=15285/match=304202/postmatch/report/index.html|archive-date=20 February 2018}} The result left Benfica on the brink of a UEFA Cup exit, and was a dark remembrance of their worst European defeat nine years before in Vigo.{{cite news|title=Toma lá mais cinco|trans-title=There, take five more|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/toma-la-mais-cinco.html|access-date=2 February 2016|work=Record|date=28 November 2008|language=Portuguese}} Their performance was criticised; according to Luís Avelãs it was "extremely poor, full of beginner's mistakes, inadmissible distractions and multiple poor choices",{{cite news|title=Humilhante tragédia em Atenas|trans-title=Humiliating tragedy in Athens|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/opiniao/cronistas/luis-avelas/detalhe/humilhante-tragedia-em-atenas.html|access-date=2 February 2016|work=Record|date=28 November 2008|language=Portuguese}} and Sánchez Flores apologised to the fans.{{cite news|title=Quique Flores: "Queria pedir desculpa aos adeptos"|trans-title=Quique Flores: "I want to apologise to the fans"|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/internacional/competicoes-de-clubes/liga-europa/detalhe/quique-flores-queria-pedir-desculpa-aos-adeptos.html|access-date=2 February 2016|work=Record|date=27 November 2008|language=Portuguese}}
=December–January=
Benfica began December hoping to extend their domestic winning streak, and the club's first game hosted Vitória de Setúbal on 1 December. Laionel opened the score for Setúbal in the 35th minute, with Benfica only responding in the second half with Kostas Katsouranis. In the 59th minute, David Suazo fired a powerful shot that beat Pedro Alves and put Benfica in the lead. However, in the 91st minute, a bicycle kick by Anderson do Ó cleared Quim and levelled the game.{{cite news|title=Benfica-V. Setúbal, 2-2 (Katsouranis 48', Suazo 59'; Laionel 35', Anderson 90'+1)|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/v--setubal/detalhe/benfica-v-setubal-2-2-katsouranis-48-suazo-59-laionel-35-anderson-901.html|access-date=2 February 2016|work=Record|date=1 December 2008|language=Portuguese}} Although Sánchez Flores called the equaliser an accident, he soon dropped Quim in favour of José Moreira.{{cite news|title=Quique Flores: "Golo de empate foi um acidente"|trans-title=Quique Flores: "Equaliser was an accident"|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/quique-flores-golo-de-empate-foi-um-acidente.html|access-date=2 February 2016|work=Record|date=1 December 2008|language=Portuguese}}{{cite news|title=O drama de Quim|trans-title=Quim's drama|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/opiniao/detalhe/o-drama-de-quim.html|access-date=2 February 2016|work=Record|date=10 December 2008|language=Portuguese}} A week later, Benfica visited the Estádio dos Barreiros to play Marítimo. They had their best performance of the season, winning 6–0 with Suazo and Nuno Gomes each scoring twice.{{cite news|title=Marítimo-Benfica, 0-6 (Reyes 20' gp, Suazo 42', 85', Luisão 66', Nuno Gomes 87', 90'+3)|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/maritimo/detalhe/maritimo-benfica-0-6-reyes-20-gp-suazo-42-85-luisao-66-nuno-gomes-87-903.html|access-date=2 February 2016|work=Record|date=7 December 2008|language=Portuguese}} The win put Benfica at the top of the table for the first time since May 2005,{{cite news|title=Líder 1.295 dias depois|trans-title=Leader 1,295 days later|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/lider-1295-dias-depois.html|access-date=2 February 2016|work=Record|date=8 December 2008|language=Portuguese}} and was their largest away win since 1974. On 13 December, Benfica played Leixões for a place in the Portuguese Cup quarter-finals. On a rainy night at Estádio do Mar, neither team could find the back of the net in regular and extra time. Reyes missed a penalty, giving Leixões the win.{{cite news|title=Leixões-Benfica, 0-0 (5-4 gp)|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/taca-de-portugal/detalhe/leixoes-benfica-0-0-5-4-gp.html|access-date=2 February 2016|work=Record|date=13 December 2008|language=Portuguese}} Although Nuno Gomes was frustrated with the elimination, he said it was time to hold their heads high and win the league.{{cite news|title=Nuno Gomes: "Levantar a cabeça e ganhar a Liga"|trans-title=Nuno Gomes: "Held head high and win the league"|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/taca-de-portugal/detalhe/nuno-gomes-levantar-a-cabeca-e-ganhar-a-liga.html|access-date=2 February 2016|work=Record|date=14 December 2008|language=Portuguese}} On Thursday the 18th, Benfica closed their European campaign by hosting Metalist Kharkiv. To qualify, Benfica had to win 8–0 and Olympiacos not win; in case of a draw, Benfica needed a better goal average.{{cite news|title=Benfica sai da UEFA com mais uma derrota|trans-title=Benfica exits UEFA Cup with another loss|url=http://www.jn.pt/desporto/interior/benfica-sai-da-uefa-com-mais-uma-derrota-1061021.html?id=1061021|access-date=20 August 2016|work=Jornal de Notícias|date=19 December 2009|language=Portuguese}} They lost one-nil, finishing last in Group B.{{cite news|title=Metalist scavenge victory in Lisbon|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/news/01d4-0e70a2e3abcd-2c6c9d8c15e7-1000--metalist-scavenge-victory-in-lisbon/|access-date=2 February 2016|work=UEFA|date=18 December 2008|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180220035051/https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/season=2009/matches/round=15285/match=304243/postmatch/report/index.html|archive-date=20 February 2018}} Sánchez Flores assumed full responsibility for his team's performance in the competition.{{cite news|title=Quique Flores: "Repudiamos o que fizemos aqui"|trans-title=Quique Flores: "We repudiate what he did here"|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/internacional/competicoes-de-clubes/liga-europa/detalhe/quique-flores-repudiamos-o-que-fizemos-aqui.html|access-date=2 February 2016|work=Record|date=19 December 2008|language=Portuguese}} Of 40 teams, only Partizan, Heerenveen and Feyenoord played worse than Benfica.{{cite news|title=Eliminação com números impensáveis|trans-title=Elimination with unthinkable numbers|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/opiniao/cronistas/luis-avelas/detalhe/eliminacao-com-numeros-impensaveis.html|access-date=2 February 2016|work=Record|date=18 December 2008|language=Portuguese}} The year ended with a home game against Nacional. Benfica never overcame Nacional goalkeeper Rafael Bracalli, wasting an opportunity to open a four-point lead in the league table.{{cite news|title=Benfica-Nacional 0-0|url=http://www.record.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/benfica-nacional-0-0.html|access-date=2 February 2016|work=Record|date=22 December 2008|language=Portuguese}}{{cite news|title=Benfica empata com Nacional|url=http://www.cmjornal.xl.pt/desporto/futebol/detalhe/benfica-empata-com-nacional.html|access-date=2 February 2016|work=Record|date=22 December 2008|language=Portuguese}} The match ended in controversy after Cardozo had a goal disallowed because Miguel Vítor had deflected the ball with his hands.{{cite news|title=Pedro Henriques: "Mão inverte trajectória da bola"|trans-title=Pedro Henriques: "Hand deflects the ball trajectory"|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/pedro-henriques-mao-inverte-trajectoria-da-bola.html|access-date=2 February 2016|work=Record|date=23 December 2008|language=Portuguese}} According to Sánchez Flores, the goal was legitimate and Benfica were deprived of three points.{{cite news|title=Quique Flores: "Pensamos que o golo foi limpo"|trans-title=Quique Flores: "We thought the goal was clean"|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/quique-flores-pensamos-que-o-golo-foi-limpo.html|access-date=2 February 2016|work=Record|date=22 December 2008|language=Portuguese}}
In January, the club had seven scheduled matches, four in the Primeira Liga and three for the League Cup. They opened with an away game against Trofense, their first league loss. Reguila scored first for Trofense, with Hélder Barbosa adding a confirmation goal in the 82nd minute.{{cite news|title=Trofense 2-0 Benfica|url=https://desporto.sapo.pt/futebol/primeira_liga/epoca-0809/jogos/62398#live-match|access-date=2 February 2016|work=Sapo Desporto|date=4 January 2009|language=Portuguese}} The loss cost Benfica first place, and they trailed Porto by one point.{{cite news|title=Benfica derrotado (2-0) pelo Trofense|trans-title=Benfica defeated by Trofense|url=http://www.jn.pt/desporto/interior/benfica-derrotado-20-pelo-trofense--1066634.html?id=1066634|access-date=20 August 2016|work=Record|date=4 January 2009|language=Portuguese}} Quique Flores said, "We played very poorly, weak in all aspects, especially offensively".{{cite news|title=Quique: "Jogo mau em todos os aspectos"|trans-title=Quique: "Awful game in all aspects"|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/quique-jogo-mau-em-todos-os-aspectos.html|access-date=2 February 2016|work=Record|date=4 January 2009|language=Portuguese}} Benfica rebounded with an away win in Guimarães in the first match day of the Taça da Liga. Katsouranis headed in the first goal in the ninth minute, and Carlos Martins added a second goal in the 82nd minute.{{cite news|title=V. Guimarães-Benfica, 0-2 (Katsouranis 9' e Carlos Martins 81')|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/taca-da-liga/detalhe/v-guimaraes-benfica-0-2-katsouranis-9-e-carlos-martins-81.html|access-date=2 February 2016|work=Record|date=7 January 2009|language=Portuguese|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307133355/http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/taca-da-liga/detalhe/v-guimaraes-benfica-0-2-katsouranis-9-e-carlos-martins-81.html|archive-date=7 March 2016|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}} On 11 January, Benfica defeated Braga at the Estádio da Luz. At half-time, David Luiz headed in a controversial winner,{{cite news|title=Benfica-Sp. Braga, 1-0 (David Luiz 45'+2)|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/sp--braga/detalhe/benfica-sp-braga-1-0-david-luiz-452.html|access-date=2 February 2016|work=Record|date=11 January 2009|language=Portuguese}} and Sánchez Flores said that the club were on course to regain their confidence after a poor past few weeks.{{cite news|title=Quique Flores: "Estamos a recuperar a confiança"|trans-title=Quique Flores: "We are regaining our trust"|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/quique-flores-estamos-a-recuperar-a-confianca.html|access-date=2 February 2016|work=Record|date=11 January 2009|language=Portuguese}} They won their third match in a row on 14 January, defeating Olhanense 4–1 for the League Cup. Dí Maria scored the final goal in an individual effort dedicated to Diego Maradona, who was present.{{cite news|title=Benfica-Olhanense, 4-1 (Nuno Gomes 25', Jorge Ribeiro 29', Sidnei 62', Di María 88'; Djalmir 13')|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/taca-da-liga/detalhe/benfica-olhanense-4-1-nuno-gomes-25-jorge-ribeiro-29-sidnei-62-di-maria-88-djalmir-13.html|access-date=2 February 2016|work=Record|date=14 January 2009|language=Portuguese|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307090231/http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/taca-da-liga/detalhe/benfica-olhanense-4-1-nuno-gomes-25-jorge-ribeiro-29-sidnei-62-di-maria-88-djalmir-13.html|archive-date=7 March 2016|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}} On 17 January, Benfica confirmed a place in the semi-finals of the League Cup with a one-nil win against Belenenses. The goal was scored by Katsouranis, assisted by Di María.{{cite news|title=Benfica vence Belenenses|trans-title=Benfica beats Belenenses|url=http://www.jn.pt/desporto/interior/benfica-vence-belenenses-1073296.html?id=1073296|access-date=20 August 2016|work=Jornal de Noticias|date=17 January 2009|language=Portuguese}} The following Friday, Benfica faced Beleneses for the second time in a week. They had less success, losing two points in a goalless draw.{{cite news|title=Belenenses-Benfica, 0-0|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/belenenses-benfica-0-0.html|access-date=2 February 2016|work=Record|date=23 January 2009|language=Portuguese}} Sánchez Flores said that Benfica could have won, and the draw was a poor result.{{cite news|title=Quique Flores: "Podíamos ter ganho"|trans-title=Quique Flores: "We could have won"|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/quique-flores-podiamos-ter-ganho.html|access-date=2 February 2016|work=Record|date=23 January 2009|language=Portuguese}} The club ended the month with a home win against Rio Ave. Mantorras scored the only goal in the 70th minute, three minutes after entering the game.{{cite news|title=Benfica-Rio Ave, 1-0 (Mantorras 70')|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/rio-ave/detalhe/benfica-rio-ave-1-0-mantorras-70.html|access-date=2 February 2016|work=Record|date=31 January 2009|language=Portuguese}} Now a squad player after several injury-plagued seasons, he was regarded as a super-sub; 12 of his 28 Benfica goals came from the bench.{{cite news|title=Santorras|trans-title=SaintTorras|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/santorras.html|access-date=2 February 2016|work=Record|date=1 February 2009|language=Portuguese}}
=February–March=
In February, Benfica's schedule included two difficult away matches against Porto and Sporting.{{cite news|title=A época em 18 dias|trans-title=The season in just 18 days|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/a-epoca-em-18-dias.html|access-date=2 February 2016|work=Record|date=4 February 2009|language=Portuguese}} They began the month with the semi-final of the 2008–09 Taça da Liga against Vitória de Guimarães. Benfica scored the opening goal on a Carlos Martins corner kick which Grégory headed into his own net. Near the end of regulation time, Pablo Aimar added the second (his first for the club), and Guimarães responded with a consolation goal.{{cite news|title=Benfica – V.Guimarães, 2-1 (Gregory 70' p.b. e Aimar 88'; Desmarets 90')|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/taca-da-liga/detalhe/benfica---vguimaraes-2-1-gregory-70-pb-e-aimar-88-desmarets-90.html|access-date=2 February 2016|work=Record|date=4 February 2009|language=Portuguese|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307091742/http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/taca-da-liga/detalhe/benfica---vguimaraes-2-1-gregory-70-pb-e-aimar-88-desmarets-90.html|archive-date=7 March 2016|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}} Four days later, Benfica played Porto at the Estádio do Dragão in a game between the top two teams on the league table. They scored first through Hassan Yebda, who headed in a corner kick from José Antonio Reyes. In the second half, Benfica held Porto until the 72nd minute, when Pedro Proença signalled a controversial penalty by Yebda on Lisandro López. Lucho González converted it for a 1–1 draw.{{cite news|title=FC Porto-Benfica, 1-1 (Lucho 72' gp; Yebda 45'+1)|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/fc-porto/detalhe/fc-porto-benfica-1-1-lucho-72-gp-yebda-451.html|access-date=2 February 2016|work=Record|date=8 February 2009|language=Portuguese}} Sánchez Flores was satisfied, because the club played well and controlled the game.{{cite news|title=Quique Flores: "Satisfeito com atitude da equipa"|trans-title=Quique Flores: "I am pleased with my players attitude"|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/quique-flores-satisfeito-com-atitude-da-equipa.html|access-date=2 February 2016|work=Record|date=8 February 2009|language=Portuguese}} The result kept Porto on top of the league table by one point.{{cite news|title=Águia agarra Dragão|trans-title=Eagle grabs Dragon|url=http://www.jn.pt/desporto/interior/aguia-agarra-dragao-1139763.html?id=1139763|access-date=20 August 2016|work=Jornal de Noticias|date=9 February 2009|language=Portuguese}} On 15 February, Benfica hosted Paços de Ferreira. The scoring came in the second half – the first goal in the 69th minute, when Aimar assisted Óscar Cardozo. Four minutes later, Ruben Amorim made it 2–0, with Paços reacting immediately with the 2–1 from Ferreira. Near the end, Di María scored the third goal for Benfica, with Paços cutting their lead to 3–2 and then hitting the post.{{cite news|title=Benfica-P. Ferreira, 3-2 (Cardozo 69', Ruben Amorim 73', Di María 87'; Ferreira 75', Chico Silva 90'+3)|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/p--ferreira/detalhe/benfica-p-ferreira-3-2-cardozo-69-ruben-amorim-73-di-maria-87-ferreira-75-chico-silva-903.html|access-date=2 February 2016|work=Record|date=15 February 2009|language=Portuguese|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304185218/http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/p--ferreira/detalhe/benfica-p-ferreira-3-2-cardozo-69-ruben-amorim-73-di-maria-87-ferreira-75-chico-silva-903.html|archive-date=4 March 2016|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}} Sánchez Flores called it a hard-fought win, with his players' commitment keeping Porto at bay.{{cite news|title=Quique Flores: "Vitória muito importante"|trans-title=Quique Flores: "Very important win"|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/quique-flores-vitoria-muito-importante.html|access-date=2 February 2016|work=Record|date=15 February 2009|language=Portuguese}}{{cite news|title=Águia masoquista apanha susto|trans-title=Masochist Eagle nearly stopped|url=http://www.jn.pt/desporto/interior/aguia-masoquista-apanha-susto--1146060.html?id=1146060|access-date=20 August 2016|work=Jornal de Noticias|date=16 February 2009|language=Portuguese}} Almost a week later, Benfica visited the Estádio José Alvalade to face Sporting. An 11th-minute opener from Liédson was answered with an equaliser from Reyes before half-time. In the second half, Derlei unlocked the draw, scoring Sporting's second goal before Liédson scored a third; Cardozo brought it down to 3–2, and the clock ran out three minutes later.{{cite news|title=Sporting-Benfica, 3-2 (Liedson 11', 82', Derlei 47'; Reyes 37' g.p., Cardozo 90')|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/sporting/detalhe/sporting-benfica-3-2-liedson-11-82-derlei-47-reyes-37-gp-cardozo-90.html|access-date=2 February 2016|work=Record|date=21 February 2009|language=Portuguese}} Benfica's second league loss had troubling consequences; Sporting was tied for second place with 37 points, and Porto had a four-point lead.{{cite news|title=Sporting vence Benfica e deixa F. C. Porto mais líder|trans-title=Sporting beats Benfica and leaves Porto further ahead|url=http://www.jn.pt/desporto/interior/sporting-vence-benfica-e-deixa-f-c-porto-mais-lider-1151383.html?id=1151383|access-date=20 August 2016|work=Jornal de Notícias|date=21 February 2009|language=Portuguese}} The club finished February with a home win against Leixões. Élvis opened with an own goal for Benfica. Nuno Gomes later scored the second (his fifth goal of the season), with Leixões replying with a goal of their own. Despite playing with ten men, Benfica held Leixões back and won.{{cite news|title=Benfica-Leixões, 2-1 (Elvis 16' npb, Nuno Gomes 67'; Rodrigo 74')|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/benfica-leixoes-2-1-elvis-16-npb-nuno-gomes-67-rodrigo-74.html|access-date=2 February 2016|work=Record|date=27 February 2009|language=Portuguese}} To Sánchez Flores, the match was intense and difficult, but the victory put pressure on their opponents (who faced each other in following day).{{cite news|title=Quique realça pressão aos adversários|trans-title=Quique highlights pressure on opponents|url=http://www.jn.pt/desporto/interior/quique-realca-pressao-aos-adversarios-1156299.html?id=1156299|access-date=20 August 2016|work=Jornal de Notícias|date=28 February 2009|language=Portuguese}} With a goalless draw in the game between Porto and Sporting, Benfica finished February with 40 points, two fewer than Porto.{{cite news|title=Águia sofre para vencer um grande|trans-title=Eagle suffers to beat rivals|url=http://www.jn.pt/desporto/interior/aguia-sofre-para-vencer-um-grande--1156274.html?id=1156274|access-date=20 August 2016|work=Jornal de Notícias|date=28 February 2009|language=Portuguese}}
File:League cup trophies in Museu Cosme Damião.JPG (top left) was Benfica's first trophy since August 2005.]]
March was less busy than February, with only three matches. Benfica's first was at the Municipal José Bento Pessoa against Naval. The club took the lead with a third-minute goal from Aimar. Naval evened the score at the start of the second half with a goal by Marcelinho, but Katsouranis scored Benfica's second goal.{{cite news|title=Benfica passou a sua "final" na Figueira da Foz sem glória|trans-title=Benfica passes their "final in the Figueira da Foz|url=http://www.jn.pt/desporto/interior/benfica-passou-a-sua-final-na-figueira-da-foz-sem-gloria-1163767.html?id=1163767|access-date=20 August 2016|work=Jornal de Notícias|date=9 March 2009|language=Portuguese}} Miguel Vítor, who assisted the goal, told the media that Benfica wanted to keep winning in case Porto slipped.{{cite news|title=Miguel Vítor: "Continuar a ganhar até surgir um deslize"|trans-title=Miguel Vítor: "Keep on winning until there is a slip"|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/miguel-vitor-continuar-a-ganhar-ate-surgir-um-deslize.html|access-date=3 February 2016|work=Record|date=9 March 2009|language=Portuguese}} On 14 March, the club hosted Vitória de Guimarães in their third game of 2009. Benfica was caught off-guard, losing 1–0 on a 66th-minute goal from Roberto.{{cite news|title=Guimarães derrota Benfica na Luz|trans-title=Guimarães defeats Benfica in Luz|url=http://www.jn.pt/desporto/interior/guimaraes-derrota-benfica-na-luz-1170019.html?id=1170019|access-date=20 August 2016|work=Jornal de Notícias|date=14 March 2009|language=Portuguese}} Sánchez Flores called the defeat an "accident that sometimes happens", and said his team was focused on the remaining eight games.{{cite news|title=Quique: "São acidentes que acontecem"|trans-title=Quique: "It's accidents that happen"|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/quique-sao-acidentes-que-acontecem.html|access-date=3 February 2016|work=Record|date=14 March 2009|language=Portuguese}} The loss impacted the league standings; Benfica dropped to third place, and Porto had a five-point lead over Sporting.{{cite news|title=Passadeira azul para um novo tetra|trans-title=Blue crosswalk for another Tetra|url=http://www.jn.pt/desporto/interior/passadeira-azul-para-um-novo-tetra-1170695.html?id=1170695|access-date=20 August 2016|work=Jornal de Notícias|date=16 March 2009|language=Portuguese}} A week later, Benfica and Sporting played the 2009 Taça da Liga final at the Estádio do Algarve.{{cite news|title=Taça da Liga: Dérbi da honra|url=http://www.jn.pt/desporto/interior/taca-da-liga-derbi-da-honra-1177364.html?id=1177364|access-date=20 August 2016|work=Jornal de Notícias|date=21 March 2009|language=Portuguese}} After a goalless first half, Sporting scored the opening goal through Bruno Pereirinha in the 48th minute. Reyes levelled the score for Benfica in the 75th minute, converting a penalty kick. The game was decided on penalties, and the club won their first League Cup.{{cite news|title=Benfica venceu Sporting na final da Taça da Liga|trans-title=Benfica beat Sporting in Taça da Liga final|url=http://www.jn.pt/desporto/interior/benfica-venceu-sporting-na-final-da-taca-da-liga-1177967.html?id=1177967|access-date=20 August 2016|work=Jornal de Notícias|date=21 March 2009|language=Portuguese}} With his first trophy at Benfica, Sánchez Flores called the win fair and the club had their sights on recovering second place and winning the league championship.{{cite news|title=Quique Flores: "Considero o resultado justo"|trans-title=Quique Flores: "The result is fair"|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/taca-da-liga/detalhe/quique-flores-considero-o-resultado-justo.html|access-date=3 February 2016|work=Record|date=21 March 2009|language=Portuguese|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307124839/http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/taca-da-liga/detalhe/quique-flores-considero-o-resultado-justo.html|archive-date=7 March 2016|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}{{cite news|title=Agora a Liga|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/agora-a-liga.html|access-date=3 February 2016|work=Record|date=23 March 2009|language=Portuguese}}
=April–May=
Club competition paused in the last week of March, resuming over the first weekend of April. Benfica's first game was a visit to nearby Estádio da Reboleira to meet Estrela da Amadora. Referee Hugo Miguel called three penalties in the first half-hour: two for Benfica and one for Estrela. Cardozo converted both (in the fifth and 16th minutes), and Silvestre Varela scored for Estrela in a 2–1 final result.{{cite news|title=Penáltis polémicos mantêm Benfica a sonhar|trans-title=Controversial penalties keep Benfica afloat|url=http://www.jn.pt/desporto/interior/penaltis-polemicos-mantem-benfica-a-sonhar-1192522.html?id=1192522|access-date=20 August 2016|work=Jornal de Notícias|date=5 April 2009|language=Portuguese}} Sánchez Flores said that although Benfica played poorly, winning was what mattered.{{cite news|title=Quique flores reconhece má exibição|trans-title=Quique Flores recognized bad game|url=http://www.jn.pt/desporto/interior/quique-flores-reconhece-ma-exibicao-1192631.html?id=1192631|access-date=20 August 2016|work=Jornal de Notícias|date=6 April 2009|language=Portuguese}} On 11 April, Benfica hosted Académica in another home loss; a 23rd-minute goal by William Tiero secured Académica's second consecutive away win against Benfica.{{cite news|title=Benfica perde em casa e hipoteca luta pelo título|trans-title=Benfica loses at home and leverages their league race|url=http://www.jn.pt/desporto/interior/benfica-perde-em-casa-e-hipoteca-luta-pelo-titulo-1199211.html?id=1199211|access-date=20 August 2016|work=Jornal de Notícias|date=11 April 2009|language=Portuguese}} The loss ended any hope of winning the title, since Porto had an eight-point lead. The race for second place (and a UEFA Champions League spot) also experienced a setback, since Sporting now had a four-point lead. The fans turned on Sánchez Flores, waving white handkerchiefs in the traditional request for resignation.{{cite news|title=Novo chumbo de Quique|trans-title=Quique flunks again|url=http://www.jn.pt/desporto/interior/novo-chumbo-de-quique-1199463.html?id=1199463|access-date=20 August 2016|work=Jornal de Notícias|date=12 April 2009|language=Portuguese}} The Spaniard realised that winning the Primeira Liga was nearly impossible, and Benfica should focus on qualifying for the Champions League.{{cite news|title=O título está muito mais difícil|trans-title=The league title is much more difficult|url=http://www.jn.pt/desporto/interior/o-titulo-esta-muito-mais-dificil-1199467.html?id=1199467|access-date=20 August 2016|work=Jornal de Notícias|date=12 April 2009|language=Portuguese}} The club rebounded with an away win against Vitória de Setúbal. They started strong, scoring three goals in the first half for a final score of 4–0. Cardozo and Nuno Gomes scored two goals apiece.{{cite news|title=Benfica tira barriga de misérias|trans-title=Benfica wins comfortably|url=http://www.jn.pt/desporto/interior/benfica-tira-barriga-de-miserias-1206485.html?id=1206485|access-date=20 August 2016|work=Jornal de Notícias|date=20 April 2009|language=Portuguese}} A week after Setúbal, Benfica hosted Marítimo for April's final match. By the 38th minute, the club was winning 3–0. Marítimo reacted, cutting Benfica's lead to 3–2 in the 60th minute, but the club defended their lead.{{cite news|title=Benfica bate Marítimo|trans-title=Benfica beats Marítimo|url=http://www.jn.pt/desporto/interior/benfica-bate-maritimo-1213191.html?id=1213191|access-date=20 August 2016|work=Jornal de Notícias|date=26 April 2009|language=Portuguese}} Although Sánchez Flores was happy with the three points, he said that Benfica should have better controlled the game.{{cite news|title=Quique Flores: "Controlo podia ter sido melhor"|trans-title=Quique Flores: "Control could have been better"|url=http://www.jn.pt/desporto/interior/quique-flores-controlo-podia-ter-sido-melhor-1213208.html?id=1213208|access-date=20 August 2016|work=Jornal de Notícias|date=27 April 2009|language=Portuguese}}
In May, Benfica had four matches to gain four points on Sporting. The first was at the Estádio da Madeira with Nacional. Knowing that Sporting had lost points to Académica, Benfica hoped to narrow the gsp between them to two points. After an uneventful first half, in the 56th minute Nenê scored the opening goal for Nacional. Eight minutes later, Rúben Micael extended the lead, with Reyes reducing it in the 67th minute. Benfica pressed unsuccessfully for the equaliser before Nacional scored again with Miguel Fidalgo.{{cite news|title=Benfica diz adeus à Champions|trans-title=Benfica says goodbye to the Champions League|url=http://www.jn.pt/desporto/interior/benfica-diz-adeus-a-champions-1219804.html?id=1219804|access-date=20 August 2016|work=Jornal de Notícias|date=3 May 2009|language=Portuguese}} Sánchez Flores realised that winning the league title was now impossible.{{cite news|title="É impossível" que o Benfica lute pelo título|trans-title="It is impossible" that Benfica fights for the title|url=http://www.jn.pt/desporto/interior/e-impossivel-que-o-benfica-lute-pelo-titulo--1219777.html?id=1219777|access-date=20 August 2016|work=Jornal de Notícias|date=2 May 2009|language=Portuguese}} On 9 May, Benfica met Trofense at home. Valdomiro scored first for the visitors in the 31st minute before Benfica scored twice in two minutes, reaching half-time with a 2–1 lead. In the second half, Paulinho tied the score for Trofense.{{cite news|title=Quique perdeu o crédito|trans-title=Quique lost all credit|url=http://www.jn.pt/desporto/interior/quique-perdeu-o-credito-1227035.html?id=1227035|access-date=20 August 2016|work=Jornal de Noticias|date=10 May 2009|language=Portuguese}} Sporting won that day, so Benfica trailed by seven points with two match days left and could not qualify for the Champions League.{{cite news|title=Champions chega com sofrimento|trans-title=Champions arrives with grief|url=http://www.jn.pt/desporto/interior/champions-chega-com-sofrimento-1227129.html?id=1227129|access-date=20 August 2016|work=Jornal de Noticias|date=9 May 2009|language=Portuguese}} Sánchez Flores said, "I know when to arrive and when to leave. I do not want to be a problem for the club."{{cite news|title=Quique: "É importante saber chegar e sair"|trans-title=Quique: "It is important to know when to arrive and when to leave"|url=http://www.jn.pt/desporto/interior/quique-e-importante-saber-chegar-e-sair-1227450.html?id=1227450|access-date=20 August 2016|work=Record|date=10 May 2009|language=Portuguese}} Playing out the schedule, Benfica first visited the Municipal de Braga. They won 3–1, ending a five-year winless streak there.{{cite news|title=Benfica garante terceiro lugar|trans-title=Benfica secures third place|url=http://www.jn.pt/desporto/interior/benfica-garante-terceiro-lugar-1235718.html?id=1235718|access-date=20 August 2016|work=Jornal de Noticias|date=17 May 2009|language=Portuguese}} The victory was against Jorge Jesus, widely reported as Sánchez Flores' successor.{{cite news|title=Quem quiser Jesus tem de pagar um milhão|trans-title=Who wants Jesus has to pay a million|url=http://www.jn.pt/desporto/interior/quem-quiser-jesus-tem-de-pagar-um-milhao-1236280.html?id=1236280|access-date=20 August 2016|work=Jornal de Notícias|date=18 May 2009|language=Portuguese}} A week later, Benfica ended their campaign with a 3–1 win against Belenenses.{{cite news|title=Benfica triunfa no último jogo de Quique|trans-title=Benfica wins in Quique's last game|url=http://www.jn.pt/desporto/interior/benfica-triunfa-no-ultimo-jogo-de-quique-1242280.html?id=1242280|access-date=20 August 2016|work=Jornal de Notícias|date=24 May 2009|language=Portuguese}} Sánchez Flores analysed the club's season: "They asked me to improve the team and I did. But we all know what happened last year; we should set realistic goals. Second place was possible, but we failed in the final third. I won a title and fought for another."{{cite news|title=Quique vai falar com Filipe Vieira|trans-title=Quique will speak to Vieira|url=http://www.jn.pt/desporto/interior/quique-vai-falar-com-filipe-vieira-1242284.html?id=1242284|access-date=20 August 2016|work=Record|date=24 May 2009|language=Portuguese}} A short time later, he and the club terminated his contract.{{cite news|title=Benfica confirma rescisão com Quique Flores|trans-title=Benfica confirms Quique's release|url=https://expresso.sapo.pt/desporto/benfica-confirma-rescisao-com-quique-flores=f519779|access-date=3 February 2016|work=Expresso|date=8 June 2009|language=Portuguese|archive-date=13 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171113165717/http://expresso.sapo.pt/desporto/benfica-confirma-rescisao-com-quique-flores=f519779|url-status=dead}}
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| 24 August 2008 | align=left| 23 May 2009 {{WDL|30|17|8|5|for=54|against=32|diff=yes}} | align=left| Tovar, Rui. p. 650 |
| align=left| Taça de Portugal
| align=left| 19 October 2008 | align=left| 13 December 2008 {{WDL|3|1|2|0|for=3|against=0|diff=yes}} | align=left| Tovar, Rui. p. 650 |
| align=left| Taça da Liga
| align=left| 7 January 2008 | align=left| 21 March 2009 {{WDL|5|4|1|0|for=10|against=3|diff=yes}} | align=left| Tovar, Rui. p. 650 |
| align=left| UEFA Cup
| align=left| 18 September 2008 | align=left| 18 December 2008 {{WDL|6|1|1|4|for=6|against=12|diff=yes}} | align=left| Tovar, Rui. p. 650 |
| colspan="3"| Total
{{WDLtot|44|23|12|9|for=73|against=47|diff=yes}} |
=Primeira Liga=
{{main|2008–09 Primeira Liga}}
==League table==
{{:2008–09 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/A/H/A/H/A/H/A/H/A/H/A/H/A/H/A/H
|label2= Result
| res2=D/D/W/W/D/W/W/W/W/D/W/D/L/W/D/W/D/W/L/W/W/L/W/L/W/W/L/D/W/W
|label3= Position
| res3=6/10/7/5/4/3/2/2/2/2/1/1/2/1/2/2/2/2/2/2/2/3/3/3/3/3/3/3/3/3
|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=2009&escalao=0&mode=M ForaDeJogo.net]
}}
==Matches==
{{Football box collapsible
|round = 1
|date = 24 August 2008
|time = 21:15
|team1 = Rio Ave
|score = 1–1
|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=200915400010108
|team2 = Benfica
|goals1 = Semedo {{goal|55}}
|goals2 = Nuno Gomes {{goal|56}}
|location = Vila do Conde
|stadium = Estádio do Rio Ave FC
|attendance = 10,426
|referee = Carlos Xistra
|result = D
}}
{{Football box collapsible
|round = 2
|date = 30 August 2008
|time = 20:45
|team1 = Benfica
|score = 1–1
|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=200915400010208
|team2 = Porto
|goals1 = Cardozo {{goal|56}}
Katsouranis {{sentoff|2|11|59}}
|goals2 = L. González {{goal|10|pen.}}
|location = Lisbon
|stadium = Estádio da Luz
|attendance = 53,496
|referee = Jorge Sousa
|result = D
}}
{{Football box collapsible
|round = 3
|date = 22 September 2008
|time = 21:00
|team1 = Paços de Ferreira
|score = 3–4
|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=200915400010307
|team2 = Benfica
|goals1 = Ozéia {{goal|13}}
Rui Miguel {{goal|63}}
William {{goal|85}}
|goals2 = Nuno Gomes {{goal|6}}
Pereira {{goal|31}}
Cardozo {{goal|43|pen.}}
Ribeiro {{goal|76}}
|location = Paços de Ferreira
|stadium = Estádio da Mata Real
|attendance = 3,784
|referee = Bruno Paixão
|result = W
}}
{{Football box collapsible
|round = 4
|date = 27 September 2008
|time = 20:45
|team1 = Benfica
|score = 2–0
|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=200915400010407
|team2 = Sporting CP
|goals1 = Reyes {{goal|67}}
Sidnei {{goal|71}}
|goals2 =
|location = Lisbon
|stadium = Estádio da Luz
|attendance = 60,062
|referee = Duarte Gomes
|result = W
}}
{{Football box collapsible
|round = 5
|date = 6 October 2008
|time = 21:00
|team1 = Leixões
|score = 1–1
|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=200915400010506
|team2 = Benfica
|goals1 = Wesley {{goal|88}}
|goals2 = Cardozo {{goal|32}}
|location = Leixões
|stadium = Estádio do Mar
|attendance = 8,500
|referee = Olegário Benquerença
|result = D
}}
{{Football box collapsible
|round = 6
|date = 26 October 2008
|time = 20:00
|team1 = Benfica
|score = 2–1
|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=200915400010606
|team2 = Naval
|goals1 = Luisão {{goal|71}}
Cardozo {{goal|86}}
|goals2 = Marcelinho {{goal|82}}
|location = Lisbon
|stadium = Estádio da Luz
|attendance = 45,714
|referee = Rui Costa
|result = W
}}
{{Football box collapsible
|round = 7
|date = 2 November 2008
|time = 20:45
|team1 = Vitória de Guimarães
|score = 1–2
|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=200915400010705
|team2 = Benfica
|goals1 = Douglas {{goal|40}}
|goals2 = Suazo {{goal|14}}
Sidnei {{goal|19}}
Reyes {{sentoff|2|42|45}}
|location = Guimarães
|stadium = Estádio D. Afonso Henriques
|attendance = 26,812
|referee = Carlos Xistra
|result = W
}}
{{Football box collapsible
|round = 8
|date = 16 November 2008
|time = 19:30
|team1 = Benfica
|score = 1–0
|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=200915400010805
|team2 = Estrela da Amadora
|goals1 = Sidnei {{goal|50}}
|goals2 =
|location = Lisbon
|stadium = Estádio da Luz
|attendance = 36,529
|referee = João Capela
|result = W
}}
{{Football box collapsible
|round = 9
|date = 23 November 2008
|time = 20:15
|team1 = Académica
|score = 0–2
|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=200915400010904
|team2 = Benfica
|goals1 =
|goals2 = Amorim {{goal|31}}
Cardozo {{goal|48}}
|location = Coimbra
|stadium = Estádio Cidade de Coimbra
|attendance = 18,980
|referee = Pedro Proença
|result = W
}}
{{Football box collapsible
|round = 10
|date = 1 December 2008
|time = 20:30
|team1 = Benfica
|score = 2–2
|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=200915400011004
|team2 = Vitória de Setúbal
|goals1 = Katsouranis {{goal|47}}
Suazo {{goal|59}}
|goals2 = Laionel {{goal|35}}
Anderson do Ó {{goal|90}}
Sandro {{sentoff|2|75|90}}
|location = Lisbon
|stadium = Estádio da Luz
|attendance = 25,921
|referee = Vasco Santos
|result = D
}}
{{Football box collapsible
|round = 11
|date = 7 December 2008
|time = 19:15
|team1 = Marítimo
|score = 0–6
|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=200915400011103
|team2 = Benfica
|goals1 = Marcos {{sentoff|0|17}}
|goals2 = Reyes {{goal|20|pen.}}
Suazo {{goal|42||85}}
Luisão {{goal|66}}
Nuno Gomes {{goal|86||90}}
|location = Funchal
|stadium = Estádio dos Barreiros
|attendance = 8,127
|referee = Artur Soares Dias
|result = W
}}
{{Football box collapsible
|round = 12
|date = 22 December 2008
|time = 19:45
|team1 = Benfica
|score = 0–0
|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=200915400011203
|team2 = Nacional
|goals1 =
|goals2 = Alonso {{0|78}}
|location = Lisbon
|stadium = Estádio da Luz
|attendance = 36,399
|referee = Pedro Henriques
|result = D
}}
{{Football box collapsible
|round = 13
|date = 4 January 2009
|time = 20:30
|team1 = Trofense
|score = 2–0
|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=200915400011302
|team2 = Benfica
|goals1 = Reguila {{goal|45}}
Barbosa {{goal|79}}
|goals2 = Binya {{sentoff|2|45|64}}
|location = Trofa, Portugal
|stadium = Estádio do Clube Desportivo Trofense
|attendance = 4,977
|referee = Jorge Sousa
|result = L
}}
{{Football box collapsible
|round = 14
|date = 11 January 2009
|time = 18:30
|team1 = Benfica
|score = 1–0
|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=200915400011402
|team2 = Braga
|goals1 = David Luiz {{goal|45}}
|goals2 =
|location = Lisbon
|stadium = Estádio da Luz
|attendance = 32,837
|referee = Paulo Baptista
|result = W
}}
{{Football box collapsible
|round = 15
|date = 21 January 2009
|time = 21:45
|team1 = Belenenses
|score = 0–0
|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=200915400011501
|team2 = Benfica
|goals1 =
|goals2 = Vítor {{sentoff|2|59|82}}
|location = Lisbon
|stadium = Estádio do Restelo
|attendance = 8,548
|referee = Elmano Santos
|result = D
}}
{{Football box collapsible
|round = 16
|date = 31 January 2009
|time = 19:45
|team1 = Benfica
|score = 1–0
|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=200915400011608
|team2 = Rio Ave
|goals1 = Mantorras {{goal|70}}
|goals2 =
|location = Lisbon
|stadium = Estádio da Luz
|attendance = 21,398
|referee = Rui Costa
|result = W
}}
{{Football box collapsible
|round = 17
|date = 8 February 2009
|time = 19:45
|team1 = Porto
|score = 1–1
|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=200915400011708
|team2 = Benfica
|goals1 = L. González {{goal|77|pen.}}
|goals2 = Yebda {{goal|45}}
|location = Porto
|stadium = Estádio do Dragão
|attendance = 50,110
|referee = Pedro Proença
|result = D
}}
{{Football box collapsible
|round = 18
|date = 15 February 2009
|time = 20:45
|team1 = Benfica
|score = 3–2
|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=200915400011807
|team2 = Paços de Ferreira
|goals1 = Cardozo {{goal|69}}
Amorim {{goal|73}}
Di María {{goal|87}}
|goals2 = Ferreira {{goal|76}}
Silva {{goal|90}}
|location = Lisbon
|stadium = Estádio da Luz
|attendance = 33,378
|referee = Cosme Machado
|result = W
}}
{{Football box collapsible
|round = 19
|date = 21 February 2009
|time = 20:00
|team1 = Sporting CP
|score = 3–2
|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=200915400011907
|team2 = Benfica
|goals1 = Liédson {{goal|11||82}}
Derlei {{goal|47}}
|goals2 = Reyes {{goal|36|pen.}}
Cardozo {{goal|90}}
|location = Lisbon
|stadium = Estádio de Alvalade
|attendance = 44,863
|referee = Olegário Benquerença
|result = L
}}
{{Football box collapsible
|round = 20
|date = 27 February 2009
|time = 21:00
|team1 = Benfica
|score = 2–1
|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=200915400012006
|team2 = Leixões
|goals1 = Élvis {{goal|16|o.g.}}
Nuno Gomes {{goal|67}}
|goals2 = Rodrigo Silva {{goal|74}}
|location = Lisbon
|stadium = Estádio da Luz
|attendance = 31,431
|referee = Lucílio Baptista
|result = W
}}
{{Football box collapsible
|round = 21
|date = 8 March 2009
|time = 20:15
|team1 = Naval
|score = 1–2
|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=200915400012106
|team2 = Benfica
|goals1 = Marcelinho {{goal|54}}
|goals2 = Aimar {{goal|3}}
Katsouranis {{goal|73}}
|location = Figueira da Foz
|stadium = Estádio Municipal José Bento Pessoa
|attendance = 8,214
|referee = João Ferreira
|result = W
}}
{{Football box collapsible
|round = 22
|date = 14 March 2009
|time = 18:45
|team1 = Benfica
|score = 0–1
|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=200915400012205
|team2 = Vitória de Guimarães
|goals1 =
|goals2 = Roberto {{goal|66}}
Cícero {{sentoff|0|91}}
|location = Lisbon
|stadium = Estádio da Luz
|attendance = 47,102
|referee = Jorge Sousa
|result = L
}}
{{Football box collapsible
|round = 23
|date = 5 April 2009
|time = 20:45
|team1 = Estrela da Amadora
|score = 1–2
|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=200915400012305
|team2 = Benfica
|goals1 = Varela {{goal|29|pen.}}
|goals2 = Cardozo {{goal|5|pen.|15|pen.}}
|location = Amadora
|stadium = Estádio José Gomes
|attendance = 3,230
|referee = Hugo Miguel
|result = W
}}
{{Football box collapsible
|round = 24
|date = 11 April 2009
|time = 19:00
|team1 = Benfica
|score = 0–1
|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=200915400012404
|team2 = Académica
|goals1 =
|goals2 = Tiero {{goal|23}}
Cabral {{sentoff|2|56|73}}
|location = Lisbon
|stadium = Estádio da Luz
|attendance = 27,747
|referee = Marco Ferreira
|result = L
}}
{{Football box collapsible
|round = 25
|date = 19 April 2009
|time = 20:15
|team1 = Vitória de Setúbal
|score = 0–4
|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=200915400012504
|team2 = Benfica
|goals1 =
|goals2 = Nuno Gomes {{goal|25||70}}
Cardozo {{goal|27||45}}
|location = Setúbal
|stadium = Estádio do Bonfim
|attendance = 5,690
|referee = Artur Soares Dias
|result = W
}}
{{Football box collapsible
|round = 26
|date = 26 April 2009
|time = 20:00
|team1 = Benfica
|score = 3–2
|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=200915400012603
|team2 = Marítimo
|goals1 = David Luiz {{goal|29}}
Cardozo {{goal|35||38}}
|goals2 = Marcinho {{goal|44}}
Bruno {{goal|60}}
|location = Lisbon
|stadium = Estádio da Luz
|attendance = 32,408
|referee = Rui Costa
|result = W
}}
{{Football box collapsible
|round = 27
|date = 2 May 2009
|time = 20:45
|team1 = Nacional
|score = 3–1
|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=200915400012703
|team2 = Benfica
|goals1 = Nenê {{goal|56}}
Micael {{goal|64}}
Fidalgo {{goal|90}}
|goals2 = Reyes {{goal|67}}
|location = Funchal
|stadium = Estádio da Madeira
|attendance = 4,175
|referee = Jorge Sousa
|result = L
}}
{{Football box collapsible
|round = 28
|date = 9 May 2009
|time = 19:00
|team1 = Benfica
|score = 2–2
|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=200915400012802
|team2 = Trofense
|goals1 = Cardozo {{goal|35||38}}
|goals2 = Valdomiro {{goal|31}}
Paulinho {{goal|59}}
|location = Lisbon
|stadium = Estádio da Luz
|attendance = 20,187
|referee = João Ferreira
|result = D
}}
{{Football box collapsible
|round = 29
|date = 17 May 2009
|time = 19:00
|team1 = Braga
|score = 1–3
|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=200915400012902
|team2 = Benfica
|goals1 = Aguiar {{goal|90}}
|goals2 = Cardozo {{goal|6}}
Di María {{goal|12}}
Urretaviscaya {{goal|47}}
Yebda {{sentoff|2|62|67}}
|location = Braga
|stadium = Estádio Municipal de Braga
|attendance = 14,056
|referee = Artur Soares Dias
|result = W
}}
{{Football box collapsible
|round = 30
|date = 23 May 2009
|time = 19:45
|team1 = Benfica
|score = 3–1
|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=200915400013001
|team2 = Belenenses
|goals1 = Cardozo {{goal|21}}
Bastos {{goal|63}}
Mantorras {{goal|91}}
|goals2 = Silas {{goal|3}}
Saulo {{sentoff|0|42}}
|location = Lisbon
|stadium = Estádio da Luz
|attendance = 30,972
|referee = Cosme Machado
|result = W
}}
= Taça de Portugal =
{{Main|2008–09 Taça de Portugal}}
{{Football box collapsible
|round = Fourth round
|date = 19 October 2009
|time = 20:30
|team1 = Benfica
|score = 0–0 {{aet}}
|penaltyscore = 5–3
|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=2009154500197270
|team2 = Penafiel
|penalties1 = Reyes {{pengoal}}
Di María {{pengoal}}
Katsouranis {{pengoal}}
Amorim {{pengoal}}
Suazo {{pengoal}}
|penalties2 = {{pengoal}} Vítor
{{pengoal}} Quim
{{penmiss}} Dias
{{pengoal}} Vagner
|goals1 =
|goals2 =
|location = Lisbon
|stadium = Estádio da Luz
|attendance =
|referee = Paulo Baptista
|result = D
}}
{{Football box collapsible
|round = Fifth round
|date = 10 November 2008
|time = 20:30
|team1 = Benfica
|score = 3–0
|team2 = Desportivo de Aves
|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=2009154500196110
|goals1 = Yebda {{goal|3}}
Luisão {{goal|19}}
Pereira {{goal|29}}
|goals2 =
|location = Lisbon
|stadium = Estádio da Luz
|attendance = 14,000
|referee = Elmano Santos
|result = W
}}
{{Football box collapsible
|round = Sixth round
|date = 13 December 2008
|time = 20:45
|team1 = Leixões
|score = 0–0 {{aet}}
|penaltyscore = 5–4
|penalties1 = Wesley {{pengoal}}
Zé Manel {{pengoal}}
Morais {{pengoal}}
Laranjeiro {{pengoal}}
Chumbinho {{pengoal}}
|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=2009154500105050
|team2 = Benfica
|penalties2 = {{pengoal}} Cardozo
{{pengoal}} Katsouranis
{{pengoal}} Nuno Gomes
{{pengoal}} David Luiz
{{penmiss}} Reyes
|goals1 =
|goals2 =
|location = Leixões
|stadium = Estádio do Mar
|attendance = 7,000
|referee = Olegário Benquerença
|result = D
}}
= Taça da Liga =
{{main|2008–09 Taça da Liga}}
== Group stage ==
{{Football box collapsible
|round = 1
|date = 7 January 2009
|time = 20:45
|team1 = Vitória de Guimarães
|score = 0–2
|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=2009154700197030101
|team2 = Benfica
|goals1 =
|goals2 = Katsouranis {{goal|8}}
Martins {{goal|80}}
|location = Guimarães
|stadium = Estádio D. Afonso Henriques
|attendance = 8,371
|referee = Olegário Benquerença
|result = W
}}
{{Football box collapsible
|round = 2
|date = 14 January 2009
|time = 19:30
|team1 = Benfica
|score = 4–1
|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=2009154700197030201
|team2 = Olhanense
|goals1 = Nuno Gomes {{goal|25}}
Ribeiro {{goal|29}}
Sidnei {{goal|67}}
Di María {{goal|87}}
|goals2 = Djalmir {{goal|13}}
|location = Lisbon
|stadium = Estádio da Luz
|attendance = 10,369
|referee = Marco Ferreira
|result = W
}}
{{Football box collapsible
|round = 3
|date = 17 January 2009
|time = 16:00
|team1 = Benfica
|score = 1–0
|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=2009154700197030302
|team2 = Belenenses
|goals1 = Katsouranis {{goal|44}}
|goals2 =
|location = Lisbon
|stadium = Estádio da Luz
|attendance = 35,022
|referee = Bruno Paixão
|result = W
}}
{{football box collapsible
|round= Semi-final
|date= 4 February 2009
|time=21:15 UTC
|team1=Benfica
|score= 2–1
|report=https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=2009154700103010
|team2=Vitória de Guimarães
|goals1=Grégory {{goal|69|o.g.}}
Aimar {{goal|87}}
|goals2=Desmarets {{goal|89}}
|stadium=Estádio da Luz
|location=Lisbon
|attendance=13,648
|referee=Artur Soares Dias
|result= W
}}
{{football box collapsible
|round= Final
|date=21 March 2009
|time=19:45 UTC
|team1=Sporting CP
|score=1–1 {{aet}}
|report=https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=2009154700101011
|team2=Benfica
|goals1=Pereirinha {{goal|48}}
P. Silva {{sentoff|2|21|74}}
|goals2=Reyes {{goal|75|pen.}}
|stadium=Estádio Algarve
|location=Faro
|attendance= 27,700
|referee=Lucílio Baptista
|result = D
|penalties1 = Romagnoli {{pengoal}}
Rochemback {{penmiss}}
Moutinho {{pengoal}}
Derlei {{penmiss}}
Postiga {{penmiss}}
|penaltyscore = 2–3
|penalties2 = {{penmiss}} Aimar
{{pengoal}} Cardozo
{{penmiss}} Katsouranis
{{pengoal}} David Luiz
{{pengoal}} Martins
}}
=UEFA Cup=
{{main|2008–09 UEFA Cup}}
==First round==
{{football box collapsible
|round= First leg
|date=18 September 2008
|time=21:00 CET
|team1=Napoli {{flagicon|ITA}}
|score=3–2
|report=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/season=2009/matches/round=15284/match=303929/index.html
|team2={{flagicon|POR}} Benfica
|goals1=Vitale {{goal|18}}
Denis {{goal|19}}
Maggio {{goal|54}}
|goals2=Suazo {{goal|16}}
Luisão {{goal|59}}
|stadium=Stadio San Paolo
|location= Naples
|attendance=49,520
|referee=Bjorn Kuipers
|result = L
}}
{{football box collapsible
|round= Second leg
|date=2 October 2008
|time=21:15 CET
|team1=Benfica {{flagicon|POR}}
|score=2–0
|report=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/season=2009/matches/round=15284/match=303969/index.html
|team2={{flagicon|ITA}} Napoli
|goals1=Reyes {{goal|57}}
Nuno Gomes {{goal|84}}
|goals2=
|stadium=Estádio da Luz
|location= Lisbon
|attendance= 56,520
|referee=Wolfgang Stark
|result = W
}}
==Group stage==
{{main|2008–09 UEFA Cup group stage#Group B}}
{{:2008–09 UEFA Cup group stage|transcludesection=Group B|showteam=BEN}}
{{football box collapsible
|round=1
|date=23 October 2008
|time=20:30 UTC+2
|team1=Hertha BSC {{flagicon|GER}}
|score=1–1
|report=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/season=2009/matches/round=15285/match=304170/index.html/index.html
|team2={{flagicon|POR}} Benfica
|goals1=Pantelić {{goal|74}}
|goals2=Di María {{goal|51}}
|stadium=Olympiastadion
|location=Berlin
|attendance=26,144
|referee=Paul Allaerts (Belgium)
|result= D
}}
{{football box collapsible
|round=2
|date=6 November 2008
|time=19:30 UTC+0
|team1=Benfica {{flagicon|POR}}
|score=0–2
|report=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/season=2009/matches/round=15285/match=304186/index.html
|team2={{flagicon|TUR}} Galatasaray
|goals1=
|goals2=Aşık {{goal|51}}
Karan {{goal|69}}
|stadium=Estádio da Luz
|location=Lisbon
|attendance=47,000
|referee=Martin Atkinson (England)
|result=L
}}
{{football box collapsible
|round=3
|date=27 November 2008
|time=20:45 UTC+2
|team1=Olympiacos {{flagicon|GRE}}
|score=5–1
|report=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/season=2009/matches/round=15285/match=304202/index.html
|team2={{flagicon|POR}} Benfica
|goals1=Galletti {{goal|1}}
Patsatzoglou {{goal|17}}
Diogo {{goal|24||53}}
Belluschi {{goal|44}}
|goals2=David Luiz {{goal|33}}
|stadium=Karaiskakis Stadium
|location=Athens
|attendance=30,185
|referee=Stéphane Lannoy (France)
|result=L
}}
{{football box collapsible
|round=4
|date=18 December 2008
|time=19:45 UTC+0
|team1=Benfica {{flagicon|POR}}
|score=0–1
|report=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/season=2009/matches/round=15285/match=304243/index.html
|team2={{flagicon|UKR}} Metalist Kharkiv
|goals1=
|goals2=Rykun {{goal|84}}
|stadium=Estádio da Luz
|location=Lisbon
|attendance=9,570
|referee=Bernhard Brugger (Austria)
|result=L
}}
=Friendlies=
{{football box collapsible
|date = {{Start date|2008|07|19|df=y}}
|round =
|team1 = Estoril
|score = 1–1
|report = http://www.thefinalball.com/jogo.php?id=468773
|team2 = Benfica
|goals1 = Bruno Miguel {{goal|64}}
|goals2 = Yebda {{goal|12}}
|stadium = Estádio António Coimbra da Mota
|attendance =
|referee =
|result = D
}}
{{football box collapsible
|date = {{Start date|2008|07|25|df=y}}
|round = Guadiana Trophy
|team1 = Benfica
|score = 2–3
|report = http://www.thefinalball.com/jogo.php?id=1720589
|team2 = Blackburn Rovers
|goals1 = Urretavizcaya {{goal|7}}
Makukula {{goal|67}}
|goals2 = Pedersen {{goal|32}}
Roberts {{goal|35}}
Emerton {{goal|50}}
|stadium = Complexo Desportivo de Vila Real de Santo António
|location = Vila Real de Santo António, Portugal
|attendance =
|referee=
|result = L
}}
{{football box collapsible
|date = {{Start date|2008|07|27|df=y}}
|round = Guadiana Trophy
|team1 = Sporting CP
|score = 2–0
|report = http://www.thefinalball.com/match.php?id=466704
|team2 = Benfica
|goals1 = Djaló {{goal|56}}
Derlei {{goal|71}}
|goals2 =
|stadium = Complexo Desportivo de Vila Real de Santo António
|location = Vila Real de Santo António, Portugal
|attendance =
|referee = Nuno Almeida
|result = L
}}
{{football box collapsible
|date = {{Start date|2008|08|2|df=y}}
|round = Guimarães Trophy
|team1 = Benfica
|score = 2–2
|report = http://www.thefinalball.com/jogo.php?id=468774
|team2 = Paris Saint-Germain
|goals1 = Makukula {{goal|74|}}
Cardozo {{goal|80|}}
|goals2 = Pancrate {{goal|38||57}}
|stadium = Estádio D. Afonso Henriques
|location = Guimarães, Portugal
|attendance =
|referee=
|result = D
}}
{{football box collapsible
|date = {{Start date|2008|08|4|df=y}}
|round = Guimarães Trophy
|team1 = Vitória de Guimarães
|score = 1–2
|report = http://www.thefinalball.com/jogo.php?id=468775
|team2 = Benfica
|goals1 = Moreno {{goal|67|}}
|goals2 = Cardozo {{goal|19|pen.}}
Momha {{goal|22|o.g.}}
|stadium = Estádio D. Afonso Henriques
|location = Guimarães, Portugal
|attendance =
|referee =
|result = W
}}
{{football box collapsible
|date = {{Start date|2008|08|9|df=y}}
|round =
|team1 = Benfica
|score = 1–0
|report = http://www.thefinalball.com/jogo.php?id=465421
|team2 = Feyenoord
|goals1 = Cardozo {{goal|69}}
|goals2 =
|stadium = Estádio da Luz
|attendance =
|referee = Pedro Henriques
|result = W
}}
{{football box collapsible
|date = {{Start date|2008|08|15|df=y}}
|round = Eusébio Cup
|team1 = Benfica
|score = 0–0
|report = http://www.thefinalball.com/jogo.php?id=825691
|team2 = Inter Milan
|goals1 =
|goals2 =
|penalties1 = Aimar {{pengoal}}
Bastos {{penmiss}}
Reyes {{pengoal}}
Nuno Gomes {{pengoal}}
David Luiz {{pengoal}}
Nélson {{penmiss}}
|penaltyscore = 4–5
|penalties2= Maxwell {{pengoal}}
Balotelli {{pengoal}}
Stanković {{pengoal}}
Ibrahimović {{penmiss}}
Burdisso {{pengoal}}
Cambiasso {{pengoal}}
|stadium = Estádio da Luz
|attendance= 54,001
|referee= Bruno Paixão
|result = D
}}
Player statistics
The squad for the season consisted of the players in the tables below and staff members Quique Flores (manager), Fran Escribá (assistant manager), Emilio Álvarez (goalkeeper coach), Paco Ayestaran (fitness coach), and Diamantino Miranda and Fernando Chalana as links to club management.Tovar, Rui. p. 650{{cite web|title=Benfica 2007-08|url=http://www.thefinalball.com/equipa.php?id=4&epoca_id=138|website=Thefinalball|access-date=20 August 2016}}
{{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 2008–09 season via transfer, with more details in the following section.}}
{{Efs start|Primeira Liga|Taça de Portugal|Taça da Liga|UEFA Cup}}
{{Efs player|no=1|nat=POR |name=José Moreira|pos=GK|14|-12|2|0|0|0|1|-1}}
{{Efs player|no=4|nat=BRA|name=Luisão|pos=DF|21|2|3|1|5|0|4|1}}
{{Efs player|no=5|nat=BRA|name=Léo|pos=DF|2|0|2|0|0|0|1|0}}
{{Efs player|no=6{{Sup|‡}}|nat=ESP|name=José Antonio Reyes|pos=FW|24|4|2|0|4|1|5|1}}
{{Efs player|no=7|nat=PAR|name=Óscar Cardozo|pos=FW|26|17|2|0|4|0|3|0}}
{{Efs player|no=8|nat=GRE|name=Kostas Katsouranis|pos=MF|24|2|2|0|5|2|4|0}}
{{Efs player|no=9|nat=ANG|name=Mantorras|pos=FW|5|2|0|0|0|0|0|0}}
{{Efs player|no=10|nat=ARG|name=Pablo Aimar|pos=MF|22|1|2|0|4|1|1|0}}
{{Efs player|no=11{{Sup|‡}}|nat=GNQ|name=Javier Balboa|pos=FW|10|0|3|0|1|0|3|0}}
{{Efs player|no=12|nat=POR|name=Quim|pos=GK|16|-19|0|0|2|-2|5|-11}}
{{Efs player|no=13{{Sup|‡}}|nat=BRA|name=Fellipe Bastos|pos=DF|2|1|0|0|1|0|1|0}}
{{Efs player|no=14|nat=URU|name=Maxi Pereira|pos=DF|28|1|2|1|5|0|6|0}}
{{Efs player|no=15{{Sup|‡}}|nat=POR|name=Ruben Amorim|pos=MF|26|2|2|0|5|0|2|0}}
{{Efs player|no=16{{Sup|‡}}|nat=URU|name=Jonathan Urretaviscaya|pos=MF|10|1|2|0|0|0|5|0}}
{{Efs player|no=18|nat=CMR|name=Gilles Binya|pos=MF|7|0|3|0|0|0|4|0}}
{{Efs player|no=19|nat=POR|name=Ariza Makukula|pos=FW|0|0|1|0|0|0|0|0}}
{{Efs player|no=20|nat=ARG|name=Ángel Di María|pos=MF|24|2|1|0|5|1|5|1}}
{{Efs player|no=21|nat=POR|name=Nuno Gomes|pos=FW|24|7|1|0|2|1|6|1}}
{{Efs player|no=23|nat=BRA|name=David Luiz|pos=DF|19|1|2|0|4|0|2|1}}
{{Efs player|no=24{{Sup|‡}}|nat=POR|name=Carlos Martins|pos=MF|24|0|1|0|5|1|5|0}}
{{Efs player|no=25{{Sup|‡}}|nat=POR|name=Jorge Ribeiro|pos=DF|15|1|0|0|2|1|4|0}}
{{Efs player|no=26{{Sup|‡}}|nat=ALG|name=Hassan Yebda|pos=MF|25|1|1|1|3|0|5|0}}
{{Efs player|no=27{{Sup|‡}}|nat=BRA|name=Sidnei|pos=DF|24|3|3|0|2|1|6|0}}
{{Efs player|no=28|nat=POR|name=Miguel Vítor|pos=DF|16|0|1|0|5|0|1|0}}
{{Efs player|no=30{{Sup|‡}}|nat=HON|name=David Suazo|pos=FW|12|4|3|0|3|0|4|1}}
{{Efs player|no=31|nat=BRA|name=Marcelo Moretto|pos=GK|0|0|1|0|0|0|3|-2}}
|}
Transfers
=In=
| class="wikitable sortable" |
| Entry date
! Position ! Player ! From club ! Fee ! Ref |
|---|
| 14 December 2007{{efn-ua|Arrived under-age, had to wait to register as professional player due to FIFA regulations}}
| style="text-align:center;"| CM | style="text-align:left;"| Fellipe Bastos | style="text-align:left;"| Botafogo |Undisclosed |{{cite news|title=Fellipe Bastos flies in to Benfica|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/news/01c8-0e6ed99e9fad-950abc82a2e9-1000--fellipe-bastos-flies-in-to-benfica/|access-date=3 February 2016|work=UEFA|date=14 December 2007}} |
| 18 April 2008
| style="text-align:center;"| CM | style="text-align:left;"| Ruben Amorim | style="text-align:left;"| Belenenses |Undisclosed |
| 29 May 2008
| style="text-align:center;"| DM | style="text-align:left;"| Hassan Yebda | style="text-align:left;"| Le Mans |Free |
| 25 June 2008
| style="text-align:center;"| RW | style="text-align:left;"| Javier Balboa | style="text-align:left;"| Real Madrid |€4M |
| 25 June 2008
| style="text-align:center;"| AM | style="text-align:left;"| Carlos Martins | style="text-align:left;"| Recreativo de Huelva |€3M |
| 12 July 2008
| style="text-align:center;"| LW | style="text-align:left;"| Urretavizcaya | style="text-align:left;"| River Plate Uruguay |Undisclosed |
| 17 July 2008
| style="text-align:center;"| AM | style="text-align:left;"| Pablo Aimar | style="text-align:left;"| Real Zaragoza |€6.5M |
| 18 July 2008
| style="text-align:center;"| AM | style="text-align:left;"| Ivan Santos | style="text-align:left;"| Boavista |Undisclosed |
| 1 July 2008
| style="text-align:center;"| LB | style="text-align:left;"| Jorge Ribeiro | style="text-align:left;"| Boavista |Free |
| 24 July 2008
| style="text-align:center;"| CB | style="text-align:left;"| Sidnei | style="text-align:left;"| Internacional |€5M |
=In by loan=
| class="wikitable sortable" |
| Entry date
! Position ! Player ! From club ! Exit date ! Ref |
|---|
| 7 August 2008
| style="text-align:center;"| LW | style="text-align:left;"| José Antonio Reyes | style="text-align:left;"| Atlético Madrid |30 June 2009 |
| 28 August 2008
| style="text-align:center;"| ST | style="text-align:left;"| David Suazo | style="text-align:left;"| Inter Milan |30 June 2009 |
=Out=
| class="wikitable sortable" |
| Entry date
! Position ! Player ! To club ! Fee ! Ref |
|---|
| 9 May 2008
| style="text-align:center;"| AM | style="text-align:left;"| Rui Costa | style="text-align:left;"| None |Retired |
| 4 June 2008
| style="text-align:center;"| GK | style="text-align:left;"| Hans-Jörg Butt | style="text-align:left;"| Bayern Munich |Free |
| 12 June 2008
| style="text-align:center;"| CB | style="text-align:left;"| Sreten Sretenović | style="text-align:left;"| Politehnica Timișoara |Undisclosed |
| 17 June 2008
| style="text-align:center;"| LB | style="text-align:left;"| Miguelito | style="text-align:left;"| Marítimo | Undisclosed |
| 21 June 2008
| style="text-align:center;"| LW | style="text-align:left;"| Cristian Rodríguez | style="text-align:left;"| Paris Saint-Germain | Loan return |
| 16 July 2008
| style="text-align:center;"| RW | style="text-align:left;"| Paulo Jorge | style="text-align:left;"| Marítimo |Undisclosed |{{cite news|title=Marítimo bring in Benfica trio|url=https://www.uefa.com/news-media/news/01cf-0e6f7a55c0ad-2025404d63eb-1000--maritimo-bring-in-benfica-trio/|access-date=3 February 2016|work=UEFA|date=16 July 2008}} |
| 16 July 2008
| style="text-align:center;"| RW | style="text-align:left;"| Manú | style="text-align:left;"| Marítimo |Undisclosed |
| 16 July 2008
| style="text-align:center;"| CM | style="text-align:left;"| João Coimbra | style="text-align:left;"| Marítimo |Undisclosed |
| 23 July 2008
| style="text-align:center;"| CB | style="text-align:left;"| José Fonte | style="text-align:left;"| Crystal Palace | Undisclosed |
| 24 July 2008
| style="text-align:center;"| RB | style="text-align:left;"| Pedro Correia | style="text-align:left;"| Racing Ferrol |Undisclosed |
| 29 July 2008
| style="text-align:center;"| DM | style="text-align:left;"| Petit | style="text-align:left;"| 1. FC Köln |Free |
| 30 July 2008
| style="text-align:center;"| ST | style="text-align:left;"| Jaílson | style="text-align:left;"| Coritiba |Free |
| 31 July 2008
| style="text-align:center;"| RW | style="text-align:left;"| Marco Ferreira | style="text-align:left;"| Ethnikos Piraeus | Free |
| 6 August 2008
| style="text-align:center;"| AM | style="text-align:left;"| Nuno Assis | style="text-align:left;"| Vitória de Guimarães |Undisclosed |
| 11 August 2008
| style="text-align:center;"| LB | style="text-align:left;"| Tiago Gomes | style="text-align:left;"| Osasuna | Free |
| 27 August 2008
| style="text-align:center;"| RB | style="text-align:left;"| Nélson | style="text-align:left;"| Real Betis |Undisclosed |
| 13 January 2009
| style="text-align:center;"| LB | style="text-align:left;"| Léo | style="text-align:left;"| Santos |Free |
=Out by loan=
| class="wikitable sortable" |
| Entry date
! Position ! Player ! From club ! Return date ! Ref |
|---|
| 19 May 2008
| style="text-align:center;"| ST | style="text-align:left;"| Marcel | style="text-align:left;"| Grêmio |31 December 2008 |
| 17 July 2008
| style="text-align:center;"| LW | style="text-align:left;"| Fábio Coentrão | style="text-align:left;"| Real Zaragoza | 30 June 2009 |
| 21 July 2008
| style="text-align:center;"| AM | style="text-align:left;"| Freddy Adu | style="text-align:left;"| Monaco | 30 June 2009 |
| 21 July 2008
| style="text-align:center;"| DM | style="text-align:left;"| Romeu Ribeiro | style="text-align:left;"| Desportivo das Aves | 30 June 2009 |
| 22 July 2008
| style="text-align:center;"| AM | style="text-align:left;"| Ivan Santos | style="text-align:left;"| Boavista | 30 June 2009 |
| 23 July 2008
| style="text-align:center;"| MF | style="text-align:left;"| André Carvalhas | style="text-align:left;"| Rio Ave | 30 June 2009 |url=https://www.record.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-betclic/rio-ave/detalhe/andre-carvalhas-integra-hoje-estagio|access-date=25 January 2025|work=Record|date=23 July 2008|language=Portuguese}} |
| 6 August 2008
| style="text-align:center;"| RB | style="text-align:left;"| Luís Filipe | style="text-align:left;"| Braga | 30 June 2009 |
| 12 August 200
| style="text-align:center;"| LB | style="text-align:left;"| László Sepsi | style="text-align:left;"| Racing Santander | 30 June 2009 |
| 22 August 2008
| style="text-align:center;"| CB | style="text-align:left;"| Rafik Halliche | style="text-align:left;"| Nacional | 30 June 2009 |
| 29 August 2008
| style="text-align:center;"| CB | style="text-align:left;"| Edcarlos | style="text-align:left;"| Fluminense | 31 December 2009 |
| 19 December 2008
| style="text-align:center;"| ST | style="text-align:left;"| Marcel | style="text-align:left;"| Vissel Kobe | 31 December 2009 |
| 5 January 2009
| style="text-align:center;"| LW | style="text-align:left;"| Fábio Coentrão | style="text-align:left;"| Rio Ave | 30 June 2009 |
| 16 January 2009
| style="text-align:center;"| ST | style="text-align:left;"| Ariza Makukula | style="text-align:left;"| Bolton Wanderers | 30 June 2009 |
| 2 February 2009
| style="text-align:center;"| CB | style="text-align:left;"| Marco Zoro | style="text-align:left;"| Vitória de Setúbal | 30 June 2009 |
| 2 February 2009
| style="text-align:center;"| ST | style="text-align:left;"| Yu Dabao | style="text-align:left;"| Olivais e Moscavide | 30 June 2009 |
References
; Specific
{{notelist-ua}}
{{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}}
{{2008–09 in Portuguese football}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:2008-09 S.L. Benfica season}}