2000–01 S.L. Benfica season

Preparations for a new Benfica season started in late-May 2000. Manager Jupp Heynckes remained for a second year, with more control this time in building up the squad. His choices caused immediate controversy, the biggest being the release of Benfica veteran João Pinto.{{cite news|title=Adeptos defendem que João Pinto é a alma do Benfica|trans-title=Fans state that João Pinto is the soul of Benfica|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/adeptos-defendem-que-joao-pinto-e-a-alma-do-benfica.html|access-date=10 September 2015|work=Record|date=5 June 2000|language=pt}}{{cite news|title=Luz acorda com protestos expressos nas paredes|trans-title=Luz awakes with protests written on the walls|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/luz-acorda-com-protestos-expressos-nas-paredes.html|access-date=10 September 2015|work=Record|date=5 June 2000|language=pt}} Pinto was the incumbent team captain and the longest-serving player, who had been at Benfica since the 1992–93 season. José Manuel Delgado of Record predicted a difficult season for the German manager: "...he will have less tolerance from the fans than that offered to Artur Jorge (three match days), or Manuel José (four match days)..."{{cite news|title=José Manuel Delgado: Heynckes com tolerância zero |trans-title=José Manuel Delgado: Heynckes with zero tolerance |url=http://www.record.xl.pt/opiniao/interior.aspx?content_id=34830 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150716234322/http://www.record.xl.pt/opiniao/interior.aspx?content_id=34830 |archive-date=16 July 2015 |work=Record |date=6 June 2000 |access-date=10 September 2015 |language=pt |url-status=dead }} He forwent internationals like Paulo Bento{{cite news|title=Paulo Bento aceita convite para representar o Sporting |trans-title=Paulo Bento accepts invitation to play for Sporting |url=http://www.record.xl.pt/Arquivo/interior.aspx?content_id=34171 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150717135234/http://www.record.xl.pt/Arquivo/interior.aspx?content_id=34171 |archive-date=17 July 2015 |work=Record |date=29 May 2000 |access-date=10 September 2015 |language=pt |url-status=dead }} and Amaral,{{cite news|title=Vale e Azevedo justifica política de contratações |trans-title=Vale e Azevedo explains transfer policy |url=http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/Benfica/interior.aspx?content_id=35077 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150716233736/http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/Benfica/interior.aspx?content_id=35077 |archive-date=16 July 2015 |work=Record |date=8 June 2000 |access-date=10 September 2015 |language=pt |url-status=dead }} but indulged on Marchena, Meira and Van Hooijdonk. The last was intended to replace Nuno Gomes, who moved to Fiorentina after a successful run at Euro 2000.{{cite news|title=Vale e Azevedo: "Queremos ganhar tudo sem excepção" |trans-title=Vale e Azevedo: "We want to win everything without exception". |url=http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/Benfica/interior.aspx?content_id=39015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150717072557/http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/Benfica/interior.aspx?content_id=39015 |archive-date=17 July 2015 |work=Record |date=9 July 2000 |access-date=10 September 2015 |language=pt |url-status=dead }}{{cite news|title=Vale aposta tudo em contratações |trans-title=Vale bets everything on the signings |url=http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/Benfica/interior.aspx?content_id=38033 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150716204607/http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/Benfica/interior.aspx?content_id=38033 |archive-date=16 July 2015 |work=Record |date=1 July 2000 |access-date=10 September 2015 |language=pt |url-status=dead }} All of this spending happened in spite of club-wide financial difficulties, from missed salaries for Michael Thomas,{{cite news|title=Michael Thomas já recebeu |trans-title=Michael Thomas already collected |url=http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/Benfica/interior.aspx?content_id=34302 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150717064229/http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/Benfica/interior.aspx?content_id=34302 |archive-date=17 July 2015 |work=Record |date=1 June 2000 |access-date=10 September 2015 |language=pt |url-status=dead }} to the basketball section of the club going months without pay.{{cite news|title=José Manuel Antunes: "Vale e Azevedo deve recandidatar-se" |trans-title=José Manuel Antunes: "Vale e Azevedo should run for a second time" |url=http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/Benfica/interior.aspx?content_id=45158 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150716234425/http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/Benfica/interior.aspx?content_id=45158 |archive-date=16 July 2015 |work=Record |date=25 August 2000 |access-date=10 September 2015 |language=pt |url-status=dead }}

The pre-season started on 7 July, with a schedule of 8 games. It included a match celebrating the 50th anniversary of Olympique Lyon, and the Carlsberg Belfast Challenge against Linfield and Liverpool.{{Cite news|title = Houllier berates defence|url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/l/liverpool/868238.stm|newspaper = BBC|date = 6 August 2000|access-date = 27 July 2015}} Benfica ended the pre-season on 11 August, with a draw against Aston Villa.{{cite news|title=Festa em Lyon |trans-title=Party in Lyon |url=http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/Benfica/interior.aspx?content_id=40432 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150717032453/http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/Benfica/interior.aspx?content_id=40432 |archive-date=17 July 2015 |work=Record |date=21 July 2000 |access-date=10 September 2015 |language=pt |url-status=dead }}{{cite news|title=Heynckes insistiu mais em Maniche |trans-title=Heynckes insisted more in Maniche |url=http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/Benfica/interior.aspx?content_id=43951 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150717033045/http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/Benfica/interior.aspx?content_id=43951 |archive-date=17 July 2015 |work=Record |date=16 August 2000 |access-date=10 September 2015 |language=pt |url-status=dead }}

Benfica started their 2000–01 Primeira Liga campaign on the road in a Clássico match against FC Porto, on 19 August 2000.Tovar, Rui. p. 582 João Marcelino stated that Porto "...had some luck in the way they obtained their first goal (shot from Alenichev deflected off Calado and betrayed Enke)...", allowing them to manage the lead until the end.{{cite news|title=FC Porto-Benfica, 2–0: Mesmo para provocar a sorte é necessário tentar arriscar |trans-title=FC Porto-Benfica, 2–0: Even to be lucky, you have to try your luck |url=http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/interior.aspx?content_id=44513 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150615063139/http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/interior.aspx?content_id=44513 |archive-date=15 June 2015 |work=Record |date=20 August 2000 |access-date=10 September 2015 |language=pt |url-status=dead }} Benfica's first home game was against Beira-Mar on 27 August. At ten minutes into the second half of that game, Maniche's goal put Benfica up 3–0, setting them up for victory.{{cite news|title=Benfica-Beira Mar, 4–1: Goleada para ganhar confiança e paz para relançar a equipa |trans-title=Benfica-Beira-Mar, 4–1: Trashing to regain confidence and peace to relaunch the team |url=http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/interior.aspx?content_id=45595 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150615060405/http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/interior.aspx?content_id=45595 |archive-date=15 June 2015 |work=Record |date=28 August 2000 |access-date=10 September 2015 |language=pt |url-status=dead }}

September began for Benfica with a visit to Leiria. It was a hard-fought match, in which referee José Leirós gave out twelve bookings. They narrowly escaped defeat when Chano scored in stoppage time.{{cite news|title=U. Leiria-Benfica, 1–1: Duas bolas metidas na gaveta igualaram um jogo de choque |trans-title=U. Leiria-Benfica, 1–1: Two balls tucked in the goalposts equalized the game |url=http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/interior.aspx?content_id=47459 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150615061431/http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/interior.aspx?content_id=47459 |archive-date=15 June 2015 |work=Record |date=10 September 2000 |access-date=10 September 2015 |language=pt |url-status=dead }} Benfica started their European season on 14 September in Sweden, with a 1–2 loss to host Halmstad.{{cite news|title=Halmstads-Benfica, 2–1: O estoiro de um meio-campo afectado pela gripe |trans-title=Halmstads-Benfica, 2–1: The crash of a midfield affected by the flu |url=http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/Benfica/interior.aspx?content_id=48111 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150615061014/http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/Benfica/interior.aspx?content_id=48111 |archive-date=15 June 2015 |work=Record |date=14 September 2000 |access-date=10 September 2015 |language=pt |url-status=dead }} Benfica won their second home game of the season, on 18 September, against Estrela da Amadora, thanks to two goals scored by Van Hooijdonk in consecutive minutes near the end of regulation time.{{cite news|title=Benfica-Amadora, 2–1: Foi preciso um milagre das túlipas para expiar pecados de Heynckes |trans-title=Benfica-Amadora, 2–1: A miracle was needed to expel Heynckes sins |url=http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/interior.aspx?content_id=48750 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150615060223/http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/interior.aspx?content_id=48750 |archive-date=15 June 2015 |work=Record |date=19 September 2000 |access-date=10 September 2015 |language=pt |url-status=dead }} In the post-match interview, following weeks of fan pressure, club manager Heynckes lost his calm and proclaimed: "I can't take this club anymore. If they want me gone, I'll leave tomorrow."{{cite news|title=Jupp Heynckes: "Já não aguento mais isto neste clube" |trans-title=Jupp Heynckes: "I can't take this club anymore" |url=http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/Benfica/interior.aspx?content_id=48695 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150615064432/http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/Benfica/interior.aspx?content_id=48695 |archive-date=15 June 2015 |work=Record |date=18 September 2000 |access-date=10 September 2015 |language=pt |url-status=dead }} He was immediately let go, and replaced with 37-year-old José Mourinho. Former player Mozer joined him as assistant.{{cite news|title=Heynckes despede-se do Benfica |trans-title=Heynckes leaves Benfica |url=http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/Benfica/interior.aspx?content_id=48951 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140522213529/http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/Benfica/interior.aspx?content_id=48951 |archive-date=22 May 2014 |work=Record |date=20 September 2000 |access-date=10 September 2015 |language=pt |url-status=dead }}{{cite news|title=José Mourinho e Mozer no Benfica |trans-title=José Mourinho and Mozer join Benfica |url=http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/Benfica/interior.aspx?content_id=48959 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150615055856/http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/Benfica/interior.aspx?content_id=48959 |archive-date=15 June 2015 |work=Record |date=20 September 2000 |access-date=10 September 2015 |language=pt |url-status=dead }} It was Mourinho's first time as manager, having previously worked only as an assistant manager for Bobby Robson and Louis van Gaal.{{cite news|title=José Mourinho no Benfica até 2002 |trans-title=José Mourinho at Benfica until 2002 |url=http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/Benfica/interior.aspx?content_id=48973 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150615052105/http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/Benfica/interior.aspx?content_id=48973 |archive-date=15 June 2015 |work=Record |date=20 September 2000 |access-date=10 September 2015 |language=pt |url-status=dead }} His first game as manager was on the road against Boavista, in which his team lost 0–1 to a goal from ex-Benfica player Duda.{{cite news|title=Boavista-Benfica, 1–0: Traída pela falta de opções uma cartilha "à Van Gaal" |trans-title=Boavista-Benfica, 1–0: Betrayed by the lack of options from the book of "Van Gaal" |url=http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/interior.aspx?content_id=49511 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150615063143/http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/interior.aspx?content_id=49511 |archive-date=15 June 2015 |work=Record |date=24 September 2000 |access-date=10 September 2015 |language=pt |url-status=dead }} The second leg of the UEFA Cup was a home game played on 28 September at the Estádio da Luz. It ended in a 2–2 draw and they were eliminated from the tournament – a result reminiscent of their 1997–98 season.{{cite news|title=Benfica-Halmstads, 2–2: Autoflagelação ofensiva mais ineficácia a defender |trans-title=Benfica-Halmstads, 2–2: Poor attack and ineffective defending |url=http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/Benfica/interior.aspx?content_id=50184 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150615064429/http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/Benfica/interior.aspx?content_id=50184 |archive-date=15 June 2015 |work=Record |date=29 September 2000 |access-date=10 September 2015 |language=pt |url-status=dead }}

Benfica started October with a home game against Braga. The visitors took the lead in the first half, but João Tomás and Van Hooijdonk responded with a goal each, reversing the score in the second half. However, Braga went on to equalize with a last-minute goal, costing Benfica two points.{{cite news|title=Benfica-Sp. Braga, 2–2: O brilho da estrela minhota e o melhor Benfica da época |trans-title=Benfica-Sp. Brraga, 22: The shine of Minho side and the best Benfica of the season |url=http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/interior.aspx?content_id=50787 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150615055025/http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/interior.aspx?content_id=50787 |archive-date=15 June 2015 |work=Record |date=3 October 2000 |access-date=10 September 2015 |language=pt |url-status=dead }} On 15 October, Benfica won its third league game of the season by defeating Belenenses one–nil behind Marchena's goal.{{cite news|title=Benfica-Belenenses, 1–0: À quinta Mourinho lá venceu mas sem ganhar para o susto |trans-title=Benfica-Belenenses, 1–0: At the fifth attempt, Mourinho won, but in a difficult manner |url=http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/interior.aspx?content_id=52561 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150615050209/http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/interior.aspx?content_id=52561 |archive-date=15 June 2015 |work=Record |date=16 October 2000 |access-date=10 September 2015 |language=pt |url-status=dead }} The team played Paços de Ferreira on the 21st, dropping two points in a 0–0 draw.{{cite news|title=P. Ferreira-Benfica, 0–0: Ajudou muito à raça pacense o profundo sono encarnado |url=http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/interior.aspx?content_id=53493 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150615062545/http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/interior.aspx?content_id=53493 |archive-date=15 June 2015 |work=Record |date=22 October 2000 |access-date=10 September 2015 |language=pt |url-status=dead }} Benfica played their last game of the month against Campomaiorense on the 29th, winning with a double from João Tomás, scored within a space of ten minutes from each other.{{cite news|title=Benfica-Campomaiorense, 2–0: Vale no adeus e Tomás na glória |trans-title=Benfica-Campomaiorense, 1–0: Vale's last game, on Tomás's glory |url=http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/interior.aspx?content_id=54631 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150615051957/http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/interior.aspx?content_id=54631 |archive-date=15 June 2015 |work=Record |date=30 October 2000 |access-date=10 September 2015 |language=pt |url-status=dead }} They finished the month in seventh place on the league table, nine points behind leader Porto.

Benfica faced Marítimo in an away game at the beginning of November. They lost 0–3, to a hat-trick from Lagorio.{{cite news|title=Marítimo-Benfica, 3–0: Bailinho com tons de tango num recital de contra-ataque |trans-title=Marítimo-Benfica, 3–0: A prom set on tango rhythm in a recital of counter-attack |url=http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/interior.aspx?content_id=55727 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150615054624/http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/interior.aspx?content_id=55727 |archive-date=15 June 2015 |work=Record |date=6 November 2000 |access-date=10 September 2015 |language=pt |url-status=dead }} Without a single road game victory, the team dropped to tenth in the league's standings.{{cite news|title=Benfica décimo |trans-title=Benfica tenth |url=http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/interior.aspx?content_id=55699 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150615062330/http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/interior.aspx?content_id=55699 |archive-date=15 June 2015 |work=Record |date=6 November 2000 |access-date=10 September 2015 |language=pt |url-status=dead }} They hosted Farense in the second week of November and won 2–1. Van Hooijdonk and João Tomás scored a goal each, within a 4-minute interval just before the final whistle, to give their team the three points.{{cite news|title=Benfica-Farense, 2–1: Um "penalty" à margem do sistema e um "anti-sistema" que compensa |trans-title=Benfica-Farense, 2–1; A "penalty" outside of the system and a "anti-system" that pays off |url=http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/interior.aspx?content_id=56654 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150615065018/http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/interior.aspx?content_id=56654 |archive-date=15 June 2015 |work=Record |date=13 November 2000 |access-date=10 September 2015 |language=pt |url-status=dead }} On 18 November, Benfica played Vitória de Guimarães on the road. They took the lead near the end of the first half, with a goal from Chano. The second half saw three additional goals, all by João Tomás. It was their first win as visitors, and they climbed to sixth place in the standings.{{cite news|title=V. Guimarães-Benfica, 0–4: Entre dois fidalgos em crise ganhou o que a aproveitou |trans-title=V. Guimarães-Benfica, 0–4: Between two nobleman in crisis, it won the better |url=http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/interior.aspx?content_id=57619 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150615050348/http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/interior.aspx?content_id=57619 |archive-date=15 June 2015 |work=Record |date=19 November 2000 |access-date=10 September 2015 |language=pt |url-status=dead }} Benfica played their last game of the month, on the 26th, at the Taça de Portugal against Campomaiorense.Tovar, Rui. p. 586 This fourth round match was won thanks to a late goal by Sabry.{{cite news|title=Campomaiorense-Benfica, 0–1: Sabry foi rápido a atar as botas e acendeu a estrela de Mourinho |trans-title=Campomaiorense-Benfica, 0–1: Sabry was quick to tie his shoes and light up the debut of Mourinho |url=http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/taca_portugal/interior.aspx?content_id=58761 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150716201613/http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/taca_portugal/interior.aspx?content_id=58761 |archive-date=16 July 2015 |work=Record |date=27 November 2000 |access-date=10 September 2015 |language=pt |url-status=dead }}

Benfica started December with a Lisbon derby game against Sporting.Tovar, Rui. p. 583 They won 3–0, with a first half goal by Van Hooijdonk and two goals in a five-minute span from João Tomás.{{cite news|title=Benfica-Sporting, 3–0: Vitória mais gorda em 12 anos a coroar o "derby do penalty" |trans-title=Benfica-Sporting, 3–0: Fattest win in 12 years, crowning the "derby of the penalty". |url=http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/Sporting/interior.aspx?content_id=59731 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150615055034/http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/Sporting/interior.aspx?content_id=59731 |archive-date=15 June 2015 |work=Record |date=4 December 2000 |access-date=10 September 2015 |language=pt |url-status=dead }} Following the win, Mourinho requested a contract extension as a demonstration of faith in the work he had put in along with his assistant: "Me [Mourinho] and Mozer thought that the only way to end speculation and the constant threat of being sacked in the event of a bad result...was renewing our contracts for another season."{{cite news|title=Tinoco de Faria: "Ultimato de Mourinho é um acto inqualificável" |trans-title=Tinoco de Faria: "Mourinho's ultimatum is an unspeakable act |url=http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/Benfica/interior.aspx?content_id=59992 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150615061328/http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/Benfica/interior.aspx?content_id=59992 |archive-date=15 June 2015 |work=Record |date=6 December 2000 |access-date=10 September 2015 |language=pt |url-status=dead }} Their proposal was not met. They parted ways with the club through an announcement in a press conference: "He [President Vilarinho] thought it was better not to accept our request. We understood that decision showed a lack of trust in our work, and that we should offer our resignation..."{{cite web|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/Benfica/interior.aspx?content_id=59976 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150615052837/http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/Benfica/interior.aspx?content_id=59976 |archive-date=15 June 2015 |title=José Mourinho: "Direcção mostrou falta de confiança" |trans-title=José Mourinho: "Board showed a lack of faith in our work". |publisher=Record |date=6 December 2000 |access-date=10 September 2015 |language=pt |url-status=dead }} Benfica immediately appointed Toni – a long-time favourite of the President – as the new manager.{{cite news|title=Vilarinho: "Toni há-de ser o treinador mas Mourinho fica até final" |trans-title=Vilarinho: "Toni will manage Benfica, but Mourinho stays until the end |url=http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/Benfica/interior.aspx?content_id=54588 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150615062549/http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/Benfica/interior.aspx?content_id=54588 |archive-date=15 June 2015 |work=Record |date=29 October 2000 |access-date=10 September 2015 |language=pt |url-status=dead }}{{cite news|title=Toni apresentado na Luz |trans-title=Toni presented in Da Luz |url=http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/Benfica/interior.aspx?content_id=60136 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150615055900/http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/Benfica/interior.aspx?content_id=60136 |archive-date=15 June 2015 |work=Record |date=7 December 2000 |access-date=10 September 2015 |language=pt |url-status=dead }} On 10 December, Benfica played Alverca away from home. They opened the score sheet with a goal from João Tomás close to half-time, but Mantorras equalized. Later, Milinkovic put the Ribatejo side in the lead, resulting in the fourth loss in seven matches in away games for Benfica.{{cite news|title=Alverca-Benfica, 2–1: Três "bicadas" no leãozinho e eis o regresso à realidade |trans-title=Alverca-Benfica, 2–1: Three "stings" in the little lion and the return to reality |url=http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/interior.aspx?content_id=60695 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150615054512/http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/interior.aspx?content_id=60695 |archive-date=15 June 2015 |work=Record |date=11 December 2000 |access-date=10 September 2015 |language=pt |url-status=dead }} In the last match of the year 2000, Benfica met a struggling Gil Vicente, who were at the bottom of the Primeira Liga standings. Unable to unlock the 0–0 draw, the club suffered their eighth winless league game of the season.{{cite news|title=Benfica-Gil Vicente, 0–0: Benfica triste e descrente ganhou um ponto e vá lá... |trans-title=Benfica-Gil Vicente, 0–0: Sad and unbeliever Benfica won a point... |url=http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/interior.aspx?content_id=61572 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150615063614/http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/interior.aspx?content_id=61572 |archive-date=15 June 2015 |work=Record |date=18 December 2000 |access-date=10 September 2015 |language=pt |url-status=dead }}

Early in January, Benfica played away from home, at Louletano, in a fifth round match of the Taça de Portugal. They won 3–1 and progressed to the next knock-out stage, where they would face Porto.{{cite news|title=Louletano-Benfica, 1–3: Entrar o milénio a ganhar com cunho de Van Hooijdonk |trans-title=Louletano-Benfica, 1–3: Start the new millennium winning with a goal from Van Hooijdonk |url=http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/taca_portugal/interior.aspx?content_id=63492 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150716200801/http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/taca_portugal/interior.aspx?content_id=63492 |archive-date=16 July 2015 |work=Record |date=4 January 2001 |access-date=10 September 2015 |language=pt |url-status=dead }}{{cite news|title=Benfica recebe FC Porto nos oitavos-de-final da Taça |trans-title=Benfica receives Porto in the last sixteen of the Cup |url=http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/taca_portugal/interior.aspx?content_id=63624 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150716234325/http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/taca_portugal/interior.aspx?content_id=63624 |archive-date=16 July 2015 |work=Record |date=4 January 2001 |access-date=10 September 2015 |language=pt |url-status=dead }} Benfica resumed their league campaign on the 7th, visiting Salgueiros. They won their second away game, after Van Hooijdonk scored with nine minutes remaining on the clock.{{cite news|title=Salgueiros-Benfica, 1–2: Marchena e Meira empurraram e Van Hooijdonk acabou a obra |trans-title=Salgueiros-Benfica, 1–2: Marchena and Meira pushed and Van Hooijdonk finished the work |url=http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/interior.aspx?content_id=64121 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150205215733/http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/interior.aspx?content_id=64121 |archive-date=5 February 2015 |work=Record |date=8 January 2001 |access-date=10 September 2015 |language=pt |url-status=dead }} They went on to win their third match in a row on 13 January, with a 5–1 home-game win against Desportivo Aves. Benfica took an early lead with a Van Hooijdonk goal in the 15th minute, and added two more in the first half, one by Carlitos and another from an own goal. The Dutch striker added two more goals to his tally in the second half.{{cite news|title=Benfica-D. Aves, 5–1: Com o ataque como melhor defesa Toni "inventou" um Benfica-glutão |trans-title=Benfica-D.Aves, 5–1: With the attack as best defence, Toni "invented" a fat Benfica |url=http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/interior.aspx?content_id=64961 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150615055415/http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/interior.aspx?content_id=64961 |archive-date=15 June 2015 |work=Record |date=14 January 2001 |access-date=10 September 2015 |language=pt |url-status=dead }} On 17 January, Benfica received Porto for the first of three consecutive games against them. The first game was part of the Taça de Portugal and ended in a 1–1 draw. Maniche scored the lone Benfica goal before Maric equalized for Porto. A rematch was held to settle the tie.{{cite news|title=Benfica-FC Porto, 1–1: Um "derby" de músculo e corajoso com o timorato árbitro do costume |trans-title=Benfica-Porto, 1–1: A "derby" of muscle and braveness with a usual referee |url=http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/taca_portugal/interior.aspx?content_id=65606 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150717021333/http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/taca_portugal/interior.aspx?content_id=65606 |archive-date=17 July 2015 |work=Record |date=18 January 2001 |access-date=10 September 2015 |language=pt |url-status=dead }} Four days later, on Sunday, Benfica hosted Porto for a Portuguese league match. They defeated the visitors 2–1, after a goal from Van Hooijdonk in the 81st minute. This win allowed the club to climb to fourth in the league's standings – their best position all year.{{cite news|title=Benfica-FC Porto, 2–1: A ironia de ser Van Hooijdonk a reabilitar o 4x5x1 de Toni |trans-title=Benfica-Porto, 2–1: The irony of being Van Hooijdonk to reabilitate the 4x5x1 of Toni |url=http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/interior.aspx?content_id=66181 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150615051517/http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/interior.aspx?content_id=66181 |archive-date=15 June 2015 |work=Record |date=22 January 2001 |access-date=10 September 2015 |language=pt |url-status=dead }} The last of three games saw Benfica succumb to a four-nil loss in the rematch for the Portuguese Cup. Manuel Queiroz wrote: "...A thrashing that did not transpire what really happened in the field, because Fernando Santos' team – in the best performance of the season – completely demolished a Benfica that never entered the game..."{{cite news|title=FC Porto-Benfica, 4–0: Ainda faltaram golos à superioridade portista |trans-title=FC Porto-Benfica, 4–0: Not enough goals for Porto's superiority |url=http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/taca_portugal/interior.aspx?content_id=66387 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150717021643/http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/taca_portugal/interior.aspx?content_id=66387 |archive-date=17 July 2015 |work=Record |date=24 January 2001 |access-date=10 September 2015 |language=pt |url-status=dead }} Benfica's last game of the month was played on the road on the 29th, against the Aveiro side, Beira-Mar.Tovar, Rui. p. 584 The match ended with a 3–1 win for Benfica, after another double for Van Hooijdonk. João Tomás also got on the score sheet.{{cite news|title=Beira Mar-Benfica, 1–3: Dois tiros de Van Hooijdonk mataram um raçudo Beira Mar |trans-title=Beira-Mar-Benfica, 1–3: Two shots from Van Hoojdonk killed a difficult Beira-Mar |url=http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/interior.aspx?content_id=67159 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150615060408/http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/interior.aspx?content_id=67159 |archive-date=15 June 2015 |work=Record |date=29 January 2001 |access-date=10 September 2015 |language=pt |url-status=dead }}

On 4 February, the team beat União de Leiria at home by 3 goals to 2. Benfica took the lead with a goal from João Tomás. Roger and Van Hooijdonk increased their lead by two goals, until Nuno Valente settled the final score.{{cite news|title=Benfica-U. Leiria, 3–2: A proeza de complicar o fácil na versão masoquista da Luz |trans-title=Benfica-U.Leiria, 3–2: The accomplishment of making difficult what is easy in the masochist version of Da Luz |url=http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/interior.aspx?content_id=68042 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150615062230/http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/interior.aspx?content_id=68042 |archive-date=15 June 2015 |work=Record |date=5 February 2001 |access-date=10 September 2015 |language=pt |url-status=dead }} With this win, Benfica climbed to second place the league, now only five points behind leader Boavista.{{cite news|title=Benfica em segundo |trans-title=Benfica in second |url=http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/interior.aspx?content_id=68107 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150615061127/http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/interior.aspx?content_id=68107 |archive-date=15 June 2015 |work=Record |date=5 February 2001 |access-date=10 September 2015 |language=pt |url-status=dead }} On the 16th, Benfica played Estrela da Amadora away from home. The game ended with a 2–1 victory for Benfica. Along with Boavista's loss in Braga, this further reduced Benfica's separation from the league leader.{{cite news|title=E. Amadora-Benfica, 1–2: Magia em estado de graça com a D. Águia a reforçar a candidatura |trans-title=E.Amadora-Benfica, 1–2: Magic in pure state of grace, with D. Eagle reinforcing the title run |url=http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/interior.aspx?content_id=69908 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150615055624/http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/interior.aspx?content_id=69908 |archive-date=15 June 2015 |work=Record |date=17 February 2001 |access-date=10 September 2015 |language=pt |url-status=dead }} Benfica played their last match of February on the 25th against Boavista. Benfica had an opportunity to take the top place in the league table with a victory in that game, but they were unsuccessful at breaking the 0–0 draw. Van Hooijdonk had the best chance in the 78th minute, but his attempt struck the goalpost.{{cite news|title=Benfica-Boavista, 0–0: Jogo táctico e muito intenso quase sempre longe da baliza |trans-title=Benfica-Boavista, 0–0: A tactical game, with high intensity, but always far from the goalposts |url=http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/interior.aspx?content_id=71202 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150615051048/http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/interior.aspx?content_id=71202 |archive-date=15 June 2015 |work=Record |date=26 February 2001 |access-date=10 September 2015 |language=pt |url-status=dead }}

Benfica began March with an away game in Braga. They lost 3–1 in their first league loss since December. They dropped to fourth place in the standings.{{cite news|title=Sp. Braga-Benfica, 3–1: Braga expõe de forma crua limitações do actual Benfica |trans-title=Sp. Braga-Benfica, 3–1: Braga exposes Benfica limitations in a crude way |url=http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/interior.aspx?content_id=72270 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150615061542/http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/interior.aspx?content_id=72270 |archive-date=15 June 2015 |work=Record |date=5 March 2001 |access-date=10 September 2015 |language=pt |url-status=dead }} On the following Saturday, Benfica visited Belenenses and lost for a second time in a row.{{cite news|title=Belenenses-Benfica, 1–0: Limão de Toni espremido mas não azedou os "pastéis" |trans-title=Belenenses-Benfica, 1–0: Limon from Toni squeezed, but it did not sour the pastry |url=http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/interior.aspx?content_id=73302 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150615055506/http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/interior.aspx?content_id=73302 |archive-date=15 June 2015 |work=Record |date=11 March 2001 |access-date=10 September 2015 |language=pt |url-status=dead }} A week later, Benfica received Paços de Ferreira at home. The match ended with a 3–2 win for the visitors and Benfica dropped to fifth place. They were now eleven points behind leader Boavista.{{cite news|title=Benfica-P. Ferreira, 2–3: Título para a Luz já é miragem; Pesadelo seguinte é a UEFA |trans-title=Benfica-P. Ferreira, 2–3: League title is a mirage; Following nightmare is UEFA |url=http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/interior.aspx?content_id=74524 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150615052204/http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/interior.aspx?content_id=74524 |archive-date=15 June 2015 |work=Record |date=18 March 2001 |access-date=10 September 2015 |language=pt |url-status=dead }} In the last game of March, Benfica faced Campomaiorense on the road.Tovar, Rui. p. 585 With a 1–1 draw, the team avoided losing all of their matches in March. However, their need to get points was aggravated, especially if they wanted to qualify for the European competitions.{{cite news|title=Campomaiorense-Benfica, 1–1: Uma miragem chamada Europa |trans-title=Campomaiorense-Benfica, 1–1: A mirage named Europe |url=http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/interior.aspx?content_id=76593 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150615050559/http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/interior.aspx?content_id=76593 |archive-date=15 June 2015 |work=Record |date=1 April 2001 |access-date=10 September 2015 |language=pt |url-status=dead }}

In April, Benfica opened at home against Marítimo, with a squad composed mainly of reserve players. A 3–0 win helped get closer to both Braga and Sporting in the standings.{{cite news|title=Benfica-Marítimo, 3–0: Activos de folga e fúria de vencer |trans-title=Benfica-Marítimo, 3–0: Assets on holidays and a will to win |url=http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/interior.aspx?content_id=77824 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150716202807/http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/interior.aspx?content_id=77824 |archive-date=16 July 2015 |work=Record |date=9 April 2001 |access-date=10 September 2015 |language=pt |url-status=dead }} On 13 April, Benfica visited Faro. The match ended in a 2–2 draw despite a Benfica having a first-half lead.{{cite news|title=Farense-Benfica, 2–2: Correr o mesmo só dá empate |url=http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/interior.aspx?content_id=78760 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150615060033/http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/interior.aspx?content_id=78760 |archive-date=15 June 2015 |work=Record |date=14 April 2001 |access-date=10 September 2015 |language=pt |url-status=dead }} Nine days later, Benfica played Vitória de Guimarães at home. A sole goal from Sabry in the 31st minute was enough to secure the team's second win in April.{{cite news|title=Benfica-V. Guimarães, 1–0: Golo repentista contra monotonia |trans-title=Benfica-V. Guimarães, 1–0: Fast goal against monotony |url=http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/interior.aspx?content_id=79979 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150717055358/http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/interior.aspx?content_id=79979 |archive-date=17 July 2015 |work=Record |date=23 April 2001 |access-date=10 September 2015 |language=pt |url-status=dead }} Closing out the month, Benfica travelled to Alvalade for the second Lisbon derby of the season. The game ended in a 3–0 loss for Benfica. This was the Lions' best result against Benfica since the 1986–87 season.{{cite news|title=Sporting-Benfica, 3–0: Atropelamento na 2ª Circular |trans-title=Sporting-Benfica, 3–0: Running over in the 2ª Circular |url=http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/interior.aspx?content_id=81231 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150717025745/http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/interior.aspx?content_id=81231 |archive-date=17 July 2015 |work=Record |date=30 April 2001 |access-date=10 September 2015 |language=pt |url-status=dead }}

On 4 May, Benfica played Alverca at home, where they lost 0–2, and in the writing of João Querido Manhã for Record, the fans "burst into protests at the end, after they lost patience with the errors, passivity and lack of talent of the whole team.".{{cite news|title=Benfica-Alverca, 0–2: Um golo como símbolo de autodestruição |trans-title=Benfica-Alverca, 0–2: A goal as symbol of the self-destruction |url=http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/interior.aspx?content_id=82036 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150716223447/http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/interior.aspx?content_id=82036 |archive-date=16 July 2015 |work=Record |date=5 May 2001 |access-date=10 September 2015 |language=pt |url-status=dead }} On 13 May, Benfica went to Adelino Ribeiro Novo to face Gil Vicente. The game ended in a 3–0 defeat – their tenth loss within the league, matching their previous record in the 1996–97 season. As a result, the club was overtaken by Belenenses in the league table.{{cite news|title=Gil Vicente-Benfica, 3–0: Erros a mais num só jogo |trans-title=Gil Vicente-Benfica, 3–0: Too many mistakes in just one game |url=http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/interior.aspx?content_id=83499 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150717005417/http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/interior.aspx?content_id=83499 |archive-date=17 July 2015 |work=Record |date=14 May 2001 |access-date=10 September 2015 |language=pt |url-status=dead }} A week later, Benfica played host to Salgueiros in Da Luz. A final score of 1–1 saved Benfica from a record fourth straight loss, and gave the Porto-based side their first point all season against a top 7 team.{{cite news|title=Benfica-Salgueiros, 1–1: Quatro Jardéis não chegaram |trans-title=Benfica-Salgueiros, 1–1: Four Jardéis would not be enough |url=http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/interior.aspx?content_id=84586 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150717052913/http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/interior.aspx?content_id=84586 |archive-date=17 July 2015 |work=Record |date=21 May 2001 |access-date=10 September 2015 |language=pt |url-status=dead }} Benfica played the last game of the season against Desportivo de Aves on the road. At one point in the game, the team was losing three-nil, but managed to equalize and finish with a four-all draw.{{cite news|title=D. Aves-Benfica, 4–4: Nem oito golos abriram sorrisos |trans-title=D.Aves-Benfica, 4–4: Not even eight goals brought smiles |url=http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/interior.aspx?content_id=85812 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150717061423/http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/interior.aspx?content_id=85812 |archive-date=17 July 2015 |work=Record |date=27 May 2001 |access-date=10 September 2015 |language=pt |url-status=dead }} Toni stated that "Everyone did not do their best to avoid that a historic club slipped into a position that is not accustomed."{{cite news|title=Toni: "Não fizemos tudo para evitar este lugar" |url=http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/Benfica/interior.aspx?content_id=85766 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140522195600/http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/Benfica/interior.aspx?content_id=85766 |archive-date=22 May 2014 |access-date=10 September 2015 |work=Record |date=28 May 2001 |language=pt |url-status=dead }} Benfica finished in a record-breaking sixth place after the 34-game season with a tally of 15 wins, 9 draws and 10 losses that, together, summed up to 54 points. They were ninth-lowest league-wide in goals conceded – 44 in all. On the plus side, they were fifth best in the league at goal-scoring, with a total of 54 goals.Tovar, Rui. p. 587 Consequently, Benfica missed out on UEFA competitions for the first time in 41 years (since the 1959–60 season).Tovar, Rui. p. 581 Van Hooijdonk was the second most productive player in the Primeira Liga with 19 goals.{{cite news|title=Factos da Època 2000-01|trans-title=2000-01 Season events|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/detalhe/factos-da-epoca-200001.html|access-date=13 December 2015|work=Record|date=29 May 2001|language=pt}}

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{{legend2|#FFCCCC|Loss|border=1px solid #AAAAAA}}

{{legend2|#CCCCCC|Postponed|border=1px solid #AAAAAA}}

{{main|2000–01 Primeira Liga}}

{{:2000–01 Primeira Liga|showteam=BEN}}

{{#invoke:sports rbr table|table|legendpos=b|header=Round

|label1= Ground

| res1=A/H/A/H/A/H/H/A/H/A/H/A/H/A/H/A/H/H/A/H/A/H/A/A/H/A/H/A/H/A/H/A/H/A

|label2= Result

| res2=L/W/D/W/L/D/W/D/W/L/W/W/W/L/D/W/W/W/W/W/W/D/L/L/L/D/W/D/W/L/L/L/D/D

|label3= Position

| res3=17/7/7/7/8/9/8/9/7/10/7/6/6/6/6/5/5/4/4/2/2/3/4/4/5/5/5/5/5/5/5/6/5/6

|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=2001&escalao=0&mode=M FootballPortugal]

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 1

|date = 19 August 2000

|time = 21:15

|team1 = Porto

|score = 2–0

|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=200115400010103

|team2 = Benfica

|goals1 = Jorge Costa {{goal|23}}
Alenichev {{goal|43}}

|goals2 = Rojas {{sentoff|2|43|44}}

|location = Porto

|stadium = Estádio das Antas

|attendance = 50,000

|referee = António Costa

|result = L

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 2

|date = 27 August 2000

|time = 19:30

|team1 = Benfica

|score = 4–1

|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=200115400010203

|team2 = Beira Mar

|goals1 = Sabry {{goal|17}}
Poborský {{goal|26}}
Maniche {{goal|55}}
Van Hooijdonk {{goal|72}}

|goals2 = Òscar {{goal|65}}

|location = Lisbon

|stadium = Estádio da Luz

|attendance = 20,000

|referee = Isidoro Rodrigues

|result = W

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 3

|date = 9 September 2000

|time = 20:30

|team1 = União Leiria

|score = 1–1

|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=200115400010302

|team2 = Benfica

|goals1 = Éder Gaúcho {{goal|82}}

|goals2 = Sabry {{sentoff|2|71|81}}
Chano {{goal|89}}

|location = Leiria

|stadium = Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa

|attendance = 9,000

|referee = José Leirós

|result = D

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 4

|date = 18 September 2000

|time = 21:15

|team1 = Benfica

|score = 2–1

|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=200115400010402

|team2 = Estrela da Amadora

|goals1 = Van Hooijdonk {{goal|88||89}}

|goals2 = Djalma {{goal|79}}

|location = Lisbon

|stadium = Estádio da Luz

|attendance = 30,000

|referee = Olegário Benquerença

|result = W

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 5

|date = 23 September 2000

|time = 20:00 GMT

|team1 = Boavista

|score = 1–0

|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=200115400010501

|team2 = Benfica

|goals1 = Duda {{goal|2}}
Pedro Emanuel {{yel|81}}
Litos {{yel|86}}

|goals2 = van Hooijdonk {{yel|71}}
Maniche {{sent off|0|88}}

|location = Porto

|stadium = Estádio do Bessa

|attendance = 8,000

|referee = José Pratas

|result = L

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 6

|date = 2 October 2000

|time = 19:00 GMT

|team1 = Benfica

|score = 2–2

|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=200115400010601

|team2 = Braga

|goals1 = Poborský {{yel|40}}
Chano {{yel|46}}
João Tomás {{goal|61}} {{yel|79}}
Sabry {{yel|74}}
van Hooijdonk {{goal|75}}
Ronaldo {{yel|79}}
Dani {{yel|87}}

|goals2 = Rodrigo Aniceto {{yel|26}}
Fehér {{goal|34}}
Barroso {{yel|52}}
Odair {{yel|58}}
Zé Nuno {{yel|65}}
Artur Jorge {{goal|90}}

|location = Lisbon

|stadium = Estádio da Luz

|attendance = 15,000

|referee = Lucílio Baptista

|result = D

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 7

|date = 15 October 2000

|time = 19:30 GMT

|team1 = Benfica

|score = 1–0

|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=200115400010701

|team2 = Belenenses

|goals1 = Miguel {{yel|17}}
Marchena {{goal|32}}
Sérgio Nunes {{sent off|2|62|78}}
Sabry {{yel|64}}
Carlitos {{yel|67}}
Chano {{yel|72}}

|goals2 = Tuck {{yel|25}}
Pedro Henriques {{yel|33}}
Verona {{yel|84}}
Cléber {{yel|88}}
Neca {{yel|89}}

|location = Lisbon

|stadium = Estádio da Luz

|attendance = 25,000

|referee = Isidoro Rodrigues

|result = W

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 8

|date = 21 October 2000

|time = 20:00 GMT

|team1 = Paços de Ferreira

|score = 0–0

|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=200115400010802

|team2 = Benfica

|goals1 = Marco Paulo {{yel|37}}
João Armando {{sent off|0|42}}
Rafael {{yel|59}}
Glauber {{yel|79}}

|goals2 = Fernando Meira {{yel|17}}
Diogo Luís {{yel|33}}
Chano {{yel|48}}

|location = Paços de Ferreira

|stadium = Estádio da Mata Real

|attendance = 7,000

|referee = Lucílio Baptista

|result = D

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 9

|date = 29 October 2000

|time = 19:00 GMT

|team1 = Benfica

|score = 2–0

|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=200115400010902

|team2 = Campomaiorense

|goals1 = Ricardo Rojas {{yel|5}}
Chano {{yel|70}}
Paulo Madeira {{yel|73}}
João Tomás {{goal|75||85}} {{yel|76}}

|goals2 = Zaharievski {{yel|21}}
Poejo {{sent off|2|61|71}}
Araque {{yel|81}}
Torrão {{yel|86}}

|location = Lisbon

|stadium = Estádio da Luz

|attendance = 50,000

|referee = Francisco Ferreira

|result = W

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 10

|date = 5 November 2000

|time = 19:00 GMT

|team1 = Maritimo

|score = 3–0

|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=200115400011003

|team2 = Benfica

|goals1 = Lagorio {{goal|13||53||59}} {{yel|14}}
Porfírio {{yel|20}}
Iliev {{yel|57}}

|goals2 = Marchena {{yel|18}}

|location = Funchal

|stadium = Estádio dos Barreiros

|attendance = 9,000

|referee = José Pratas

|result = L

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 11

|date = 12 November 2000

|time = 20:00 GMT

|team1 = Benfica

|score = 2–1

|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=200115400011103

|team2 = Farense

|goals1 = Calado {{yel|80}}
van Hooijdonk {{goal|84|pen.}}
João Tomás {{goal|88}}

|goals2 = Marco Nuno {{goal|73}}
Rubio {{yel|83}}

|location = Lisbon

|stadium = Estádio da Luz

|attendance = 15,000

|referee = António Costa

|result = W

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 12

|date = 18 November 2000

|time = 19:00 GMT

|team1 = Vitória Guimarães

|score = 0–4

|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=200115400011204

|team2 = Benfica

|goals1 = Preto Casagrande {{yel|37}}

|goals2 = Carlitos {{yel|24}}
Chano {{goal|40}}
João Tomás {{goal|60||84||88}}
Diogo Luís {{yel|69}}
Ricardo Rojas {{yel|74}}

|location = Guimarães

|stadium = Estádio D. Afonso Henriques

|attendance = 9,300

|referee = Olegário Benquerença

|result = W

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 13

|date = 3 December 2000

|time = 20:00 GMT

|team1 = Benfica

|score = 3–0

|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=200115400011304

|team2 = Sporting

|goals1 = van Hooijdonk {{yel|38}} {{goal|41|pen.}}
Maniche {{yel|41}}
Marchena {{yel|48}}
Fernando Meira {{yel|60}}
João Tomás {{goal|77||82}}

|goals2 = Beto Acosta {{yel|29}}
André Cruz {{yel|40}}
Pedro Barbosa {{sent off|0|75}}
Horváth {{yel|89}}
Beto {{yel|90}}

|location = Lisbon

|stadium = Estádio da Luz

|attendance = 65,000

|referee = Jorge Coroado

|result = W

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 14

|date = 10 December 2000

|time = 20:00

|team1 = Alverca

|score = 2–1

|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=200115400011405

|team2 = Benfica

|goals1 = Mantorras {{goal|43}}
Milinković {{goal|79}}

|goals2 = João Tomás {{goal|39}}

|location = Alverca

|stadium = Complexo Desportivo do Alverca FC

|attendance = 5,000

|referee = João Ferreira

|result = L

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 15

|date = 17 December 2000

|time = 19:00

|team1 = Benfica

|score = 0–0

|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=200115400011505

|team2 = Gil Vicente

|goals1 =

|goals2 =

|location = Lisbon

|stadium = Estádio da Luz

|attendance = 10,000

|referee = Cunha Antunes

|result = D

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 16

|date = 7 January 2001

|time = 21:15

|team1 = Salgueiros

|score = 1–2

|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=200115400011606

|team2 = Benfica

|goals1 = Basílio Almeida {{goal|52}}
Litera {{sentoff|2|16|62}}

|goals2 = Chano {{goal|60}}
Van Hooijdonk {{goal|81}}

|location = Porto

|stadium = Estádio Engenheiro Vidal Pinheiro

|attendance = 3,500

|referee = Paulo Paraty

|result = W

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 17

|date = 13 January 2001

|time = 19:00

|team1 = Benfica

|score = 5–1

|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=200115400011706

|team2 = Desportivo Aves

|goals1 = Van Hooijdonk {{goal|15||50||65|pen.}}
Nené {{goal|30|o.g.}}
Carlitos {{goal|39}}

|goals2 = Quinzinho {{goal|61}}

|location = Lisbon

|stadium = Estádio da Luz

|attendance = 30,000

|referee = Francisco Ferreira

|result = W

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 18

|date = 21 January 2001

|time = 21:00

|team1 = Benfica

|score = 2–1

|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=200115400011803

|team2 = Porto

|goals1 = Van Hooijdonk {{goal|26|pen.|80}}

|goals2 = Capucho {{goal|41}}

|location = Lisbon

|stadium = Estádio da Luz

|attendance = 69,950

|referee = António Costa

|result = W

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 19

|date = 29 January 2001

|time = 21:15

|team1 = Beira Mar

|score = 1–3

|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=200115400011903

|team2 = Benfica

|goals1 = Fary {{goal|82}}

|goals2 = Van Hooijdonk {{goal|38||60|pen.}}
João Tomás {{goal|79}}

|location = Aveiro

|stadium = Estádio Mário Duarte

|attendance = 8,000

|referee = Vítor Pereira

|result = W

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 20

|date = 4 February 2001

|time = 17:45

|team1 = Benfica

|score = 3–2

|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=200115400012002

|team2 = União Leiria

|goals1 = João Tomás {{goal|5}}
Roger {{goal|44}}
Van Hooijdonk {{goal|47|pen.}}

|goals2 = Éder Gaúcho {{goal|25}}
Derlei {{sentoff|0|44}}
Bilro {{sentoff|2|44|54}}
Nuno Valente {{goal|67}}

|location = Lisbon

|stadium = Estádio da Luz

|attendance = 20,000

|referee = Bruno Paixão

|result = W

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 21

|date = 16 February 2001

|time = 20:00

|team1 = Estrela da Amadora

|score = 1–2

|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=200115400012102

|team2 = Benfica

|goals1 = Gaúcho {{goal|14}}

|goals2 = Van Hooijdonk {{goal|20}}
João Tomás {{goal|64}}
{{sentoff|2|49|88}} Escalona

|location = Lisbon

|stadium = Estádio José Gomes

|attendance = 7,000

|referee = Jorge Coroado

|result = W

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 22

|date = 25 February 2001

|time = 20:45

|team1 = Benfica

|score = 0–0

|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=200115400012201

|team2 = Boavista

|goals1 =

|goals2 =

|location = Lisbon

|stadium = Estádio da Luz

|attendance = 82,500

|referee = José Pratas

|result = D

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 23

|date = 4 March 2001

|time = 20:30

|team1 = Braga

|score = 3–1

|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=200115400012301

|team2 = Benfica

|goals1 = Luís Filipe {{goal|2||84}}
Zé Roberto {{goal|22}}

|goals2 = João Tomás {{goal|9}}

|location = Braga

|stadium = Estádio 1º de Maio

|attendance = 25,000

|referee = Lucílio Baptista

|result = L

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 24

|date = 10 March 2001

|time = 20:30

|team1 = Belenenses

|score = 1–0

|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=200115400012401

|team2 = Benfica

|goals1 = Marcão {{goal|50}}

|goals2 =

|location = Lisbon

|stadium = Estádio do Restelo

|attendance = 10,000

|referee = Olegário Benquerença

|result = L

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 25

|date = 18 March 2001

|time = 19:00

|team1 = Benfica

|score = 2–3

|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=200115400012502

|team2 = Paços de Ferreira

|goals1 = Carlitos {{goal|40}}
Ednilson {{sentoff|0|63}}
Roger {{goal|71}}

|goals2 = Rafael {{goal|26||50}}
Leonardo {{goal|34}} Paulito {{sentoff|2|75|89}}

|location = Lisbon

|stadium = Estádio da Luz

|attendance = 18,000

|referee = Paulo Paraty

|result = L

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 26

|date = 31 March 2001

|time = 20:30

|team1 = Campomaiorense

|score = 1–1

|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=200115400012602

|team2 = Benfica

|goals1 = Paulo Vida {{goal|65}}

|goals2 = Roger {{sentoff|0|68}}
Van Hooijdonk {{goal|85}}
Kandaurov {{sentoff|0|87}}

|location = Campo Maior, Portalegre

|stadium = Estádio Capitão Cesar Correia

|attendance = 5,000

|referee = João Ferreira

|result = D

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 27

|date = 8 April 2001

|time = 21:15

|team1 = Benfica

|score = 3–0

|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=200115400012703

|team2 = Maritimo

|goals1 = Ronaldo {{goal|27}}
João Tomás {{goal|48}}
Sabry {{goal|65}}

|goals2 =

|location = Lisbon

|stadium = Estádio da Luz

|attendance = 10,000

|referee = António Costa

|result = W

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 28

|date = 13 April 2001

|time = 21:30

|team1 = Farense

|score = 2–2

|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=200115400012803

|team2 = Benfica

|goals1 = Hassan {{goal|7}}
Costa {{goal|67}}

|goals2 = Miguel {{goal|40}}
João Tomás {{goal|42}}

|location = Faro

|stadium = Estádio de São Luís

|attendance = 7,000

|referee = Paulo Costa

|result = D

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 29

|date = 22 April 2001

|time = 19:00

|team1 = Benfica

|score = 1–0

|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=200115400012904

|team2 = Vitória Guimarães

|goals1 = Sabry {{goal|31}}
Ricardo Esteves {{sentoff|2|20|78}}

|goals2 =

|location = Lisbon

|stadium = Estádio da Luz

|attendance = 18,000

|referee = Duarte Gomes

|result = W

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 30

|date = 29 April 2001

|time = 21:30

|team1 = Sporting

|score = 3–0

|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=200115400013004

|team2 = Benfica

|goals1 = Acosta {{goal|2}}
Pedro Barbosa {{goal|21}}
Beto {{goal|57}}

|goals2 =

|location = Lisbon

|stadium = Estádio de Alvalade

|attendance = 27,000

|referee = João Ferreira

|result = L

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 31

|date = 4 May 2001

|time = 19:00

|team1 = Benfica

|score = 0–2

|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=200115400013105

|team2 = Alverca

|goals1 = Maniche {{sentoff|0|76}}

|goals2 = Dudić {{goal|17|o.g.}}
Rui Borges {{goal|67}}

|location = Lisbon

|stadium = Estádio da Luz

|attendance = 7,000

|referee = Elmano Santos

|result = L

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 32

|date = 13 May 2001

|time = 20:30

|team1 = Gil Vicente

|score = 3–0

|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=200115400013205

|team2 = Benfica

|goals1 = Paulo César {{goal|13}}
Alex Sandro {{sentoff|2|24|45}}
Sérgio Lomba {{goal|77}}
Pinheiro {{goal|86}}

|goals2 = Miguel {{sentoff|0|25}}

|location = Barcelos

|stadium = Estádio Adelino Ribeiro Novo

|attendance = 3,500

|referee = Martins dos Santos

|result = L

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 33

|date = 20 May 2001

|time = 20:00

|team1 = Benfica

|score = 1–1

|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=200115400013306

|team2 = Salgueiros

|goals1 = Rui Baião {{goal|58}}

|goals2 = João Pedro {{goal|44}}

|location = Lisbon

|stadium = Estádio da Luz

|attendance = 12,000

|referee = Francisco Ferreira

|result = D

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = 34

|date = 27 May 2001

|time = 19:00

|team1 = Desportivo Aves

|score = 4–4

|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=200115400013406

|team2 = Benfica

|goals1 = Douala {{goal|3||23}}
Abílio {{goal|19|pen.}}
Marco Aleixo {{goal|77}}

|goals2 = Van Hooijdonk {{goal|30||64}}
João Tomás {{goal|35}}
André {{goal|89}}

|location = Vila das Aves

|stadium = Estádio do CD das Aves

|attendance = 2,000

|referee = Lucílio Baptista

|result = D

}}

{{main|2000–01 Taça de Portugal}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = {{Tooltip|Fourth Rd|Fourth round}}

|date = 26 November 2000

|time = 18:00 GMT

|team1 = Campomaiorense

|score = 0–1

|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=2001154500196231

|team2 = Benfica

|goals1 = Cao {{sent off|0|43}}

|goals2 = Sabry {{goal|76}}

|location = Campo Maior

|stadium = Estádio Capitão Cesar Correia

|attendance = 5,000

|referee = Lucílio Baptista

|result = W

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = {{Tooltip|Fifth Rd|Fifth round}}

|date = 3 January 2001

|time = 19:00

|team1 = Louletano

|score = 1–3

|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=2001154500195131

|team2 = Benfica

|goals1 = Marcos Gaúcho {{goal|57}}

|goals2 = Van Hooijdonk {{goal|44||48}}
João Tomás {{goal|52}}

|location = Loulé

|stadium = Estádio Municipal de Loulé

|attendance = 7,500

|referee = Bruno Paixão

|result = W

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = {{Tooltip|Sixth Rd|Sixth round}}

|date = 17 January 2001

|time = 19:00

|team1 = Benfica

|score = 1–1

|aet= yes

|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=2001154500105061

|team2 = Porto

|goals1 = Maniche {{goal|53}}
Escalona {{sentoff|2|73|98}}

|goals2 = Marić {{goal|84}}

|location = Lisbon

|stadium = Estádio da Luz

|attendance = 43,000

|referee = José Pratas

|result = D

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round = {{Tooltip|6R Replay|Sixth round replay}}

|date = 23 January 2001

|time = 19:15

|team1 = Porto

|score = 4–0

|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=2001154500105062

|team2 = Benfica

|goals1 = Alenichev {{goal|10||67|pen.}}
Pena {{goal|28}}
Paredes {{goal|34}}

|goals2 = Diogo Luís {{sentoff|2|36|40}}

|location = Porto

|stadium = Estádio das Antas

|attendance = 16,500

|referee = Lucílio Baptista

|result = L

}}

{{main|2000–01 UEFA Cup}}

{{main|2000–01 UEFA Cup first round}}

{{football box collapsible

|date=14 September 2000

|round= First leg

|time=20:00

|team1=Halmstad {{flagicon|SWE}}

|score= 2–1

|report=https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=2001300000398421

|team2={{flagicon|POR}} Benfica

|goals1=Svensson {{goal|35}}
Selaković {{goal|57}}

|goals2=Van Hooijdonk {{goal|40}}

|stadium= Örjans Vall

|location= Halmstad

|attendance= 3,796

|referee= Jacek Granat (Poland)

|result = L

}}

{{football box collapsible

|date = 28 September 2000

|time = 20:00 GMT

|round = Second leg

|team1 = Benfica {{flagicon|POR}}

|score = 2–2

|aggregatescore = 3–4

|report = https://www.foradejogo.net/match.php?match=2001300000398422

|team2 = {{flagicon|SWE}} Halmstad

|goals1 = van Hooijdonk {{goal|24}}
Miguel {{goal|90}}

|goals2 = Gustafson {{goal|32}}
Selaković {{goal|88}}

|stadium = Estádio da Luz

|location = Lisbon

|attendance = 20,000

|referee = Franz-Xaver Wack (Germany)

|result = D

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round =

|date = 16 July 2000

|time = 19:30

|team1 = Benfica

|score = 1–1

|report = http://www.maisfutebol.iol.pt/benfica-geral-leogang-estagio/53199d7d300427302c2a11c3.html

|team2 = Adanaspor

|goals1 = Maniche {{goal|26}}

|goals2 = Cenk İşler {{goal|54}}

|location = Leogang, Austria

|stadium = Sportplatz

|attendance =

|referee =

|result = D

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round =

|date = 21 July 2000

|time = 19:30

|team1 = Olympique Lyonnais

|score = 1–1

|report = https://web.archive.org/web/20141011004845/http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/Benfica/interior.aspx?content_id=40558

|team2 = Benfica

|goals1 = Kandaurov {{goal|36|o.g.}}

|goals2 = Sabry {{goal|58}}

|location = Lyon, France

|stadium = Stade de Gerland

|attendance = 48,000

|referee =

|result = D

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round =

|date = 26 July 2000

|time = 19:30

|team1 = Barreirense

|score = 0–5

|report = http://www.maisfutebol.iol.pt/geral-benfica-barreirense/5319a38730043a3cf519614c.html

|team2 = Benfica

|goals1 =

|goals2 = Miguel {{goal|33||51}}
Pierre van Hooijdonk {{goal|34}}
Kandaurov {{goal|45|pen.}}
Carlitos {{goal|83}}

|location = Barreiro, Portugal

|stadium = Estádio Dr. Manuel de Mello

|attendance =

|referee =

|result = W

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round =

|date = 29 July 2000

|time = 19:30

|team1 = Benfica

|score = 0–1

|report = https://web.archive.org/web/20141011004424/http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/Benfica/interior.aspx?content_id=41638

|team2 = Deportivo

|goals1 =

|goals2 = Ronaldo {{goal||o.g.}}

|location = Braga, Portugal

|stadium = Estádio Primeiro de Maio

|attendance =

|referee = Paulo Paraty

|result = L

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round =

|date = 2 August 2000

|time = 18:00

|team1 = Linfield

|score = 2–3

|report = https://web.archive.org/web/20141011004841/http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/Benfica/interior.aspx?content_id=42099

|team2 = Benfica

|goals1 = Davy Larmour {{goal|29||49}}

|goals2 = Sabry {{goal|5||26}}
Carlitos {{goal|22}}

|location = Belfast, Northern Ireland

|stadium = Windsor Park

|attendance =

|referee =

|result = W

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round =

|date = 5 August 2000

|time = 19:30

|team1 = Liverpool

|score = 2–2

|report = https://web.archive.org/web/20141011004420/http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/Benfica/interior.aspx?content_id=42472

|team2 = Benfica

|goals1 = Camara {{goal|10}}
Owen {{goal|47}}

|goals2 = Karel Poborský {{goal|64||73}}

|location = Belfast, Northern Ireland

|stadium = Windsor Park

|attendance =

|referee =

|result = D

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round =

|date = 8 August 2000

|time = 20:00

|team1 = Académica

|score = 1–1

|report = https://web.archive.org/web/20141011004700/http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/Benfica/interior.aspx?content_id=42940

|team2 = Benfica

|goals1 = Dário {{goal|4}}

|goals2 = João Tomás {{goal|62}}

|location = Coimbra, Portugal

|stadium = Municipal Coimbra

|attendance =

|referee = José Leirós

|result = D

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round =

|date = 11 August 2000

|time = 20:00

|team1 = Benfica

|score = 2–2

|report = https://web.archive.org/web/20141011004428/http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/Benfica/interior.aspx?content_id=43391

|team2 = Aston Villa

|goals1 = Pierre van Hooijdonk {{goal|63}}
Karel Poborský {{goal|84}}

|goals2 = Dublin {{goal|43}}
Alan Thompson {{goal|86}}

|location = Lisbon

|stadium = Estádio da Luz

|attendance = 50,000

|referee = Lucilio Baptista

|result = D

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round =

|date = 5 October 2000

|time =

|team1 = Benfica

|score = 1–1

|report = http://www.tvi24.iol.pt/geral/05-10-2000/benfica-marselha-1-1-cronica

|team2 = Marseille

|goals1 = Pierre van Hooijdonk {{goal|75}}

|goals2 = Benjamin Gavanon {{goal|58}}

|location = Lisbon

|stadium = Estádio da Luz

|attendance =

|result = D

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round =

|date = 10 January 2001

|time = 20:00

|team1 = Benfica

|score = 1–1

|report = https://web.archive.org/web/20141011004431/http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/Benfica/interior.aspx?content_id=64507

|team2 = CSKA Sofia

|goals1 = André {{goal|34}}

|goals2 = Antonov {{goal|84}}

|location = Lisbon

|stadium = Estádio da Luz

|attendance = 25,000

|referee = Luís Miranda

|result = D

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round =

|date = 7 May 2001

|time = 20:00

|team1 = Paris Saint-Germain

|score = 0–0

|penalties1= Benarbia {{penmiss}}
Mendy {{pengoal}}
Ducrocq {{pengoal}}
Robert {{pengoal}}
Vampeta {{penmiss}}

|penaltyscore=3–4

|penalties2={{penmiss}} Kandaurov
{{pengoal}} Paulo Madeira
{{pengoal}} Chano
{{pengoal}} Maniche
{{pengoal}} Meira

|report = http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/paris-sg-benfica-0-0.html

|team2 = Benfica

|goals1 =

|goals2 =

|location = Paris

|stadium = Parc des Princes

|attendance = 35,000

|result = D

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round =

|date = 31 May 2001

|time = 20:00

|team1 = Atlas

|score = 0–1

|report = http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/benfica-atlas-1-0-joao-tomas-carimbou-vitoria.html

|team2 = Benfica

|goals1 =

|goals2 = João Tomás {{goal|12}}

|location = San Jose, California

|stadium = Spartan Stadium

|attendance = 15,000

|result = W

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|round =

|date = 3 June 2001

|time = 20:00

|team1 = Benfica

|score = 4–2

|report = http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/benfica/detalhe/vitoria-no-adeus-a-pior-epoca-de-sempre.html

|team2 = Santa Clara

|goals1 = João Tomás {{goal|37||76||89}}
André {{goal|67}}

|goals2 = Glaedson {{goal|6}}
Sandro {{goal|81}}

|location = Boston

|stadium = Foxboro Stadium

|attendance = 20,000

|result = W

}}

The squad for the season consisted of the players listed in the tables below, as well as staff members Heynckes (manager), Mourinho (manager), Toni (manager) and Mozer (assistant coach).{{cite web|title=Sport Lisboa e Benfica Squad 2000–01|url=https://www.thefinalball.com/equipa.php?epoca_id=130&id=4|work=thefinalball.com}}{{cite web|title=Squad 2000/2001|url=https://www.foradejogo.net/team.php?team=2&ano=2001&escalao=0&mode=S&language=2|work=foradejogo.net}}

{{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 2000–01 season via transfer, with more details in the following section.}}

{{Efs start|Primeira Liga|Taça de Portugal|UEFA Cup}}

|-

{{Efs player|no=1|nat=GER|name=Robert Enke|pos=GK|26|-32|4|-6|2|-4}}

{{Efs player|no=2{{Sup|‡}}|nat=SRB|name=Ivan Dudić|pos=DF|20|0|3|0|1|0}}

{{Efs player|no=3{{Sup|‡}}|nat=CHI|name=Alejandro Escalona|pos=DF|9|0|2|0|0|0}}

{{Efs player|no=4{{Sup|‡}}|nat=ESP|name=Carlos Marchena|pos=DF|20|2|3|0|0|0}}

{{Efs player|no=5|nat=POR|name=Paulo Madeira|pos=DF|12|0|0|0|1|0}}

{{Efs player|no=6{{Sup|‡}}|nat=POR|name=Fernando Meira|pos=DF|31|0|4|0|2|0}}

{{Efs player|no=7|nat=CZE|name=Karel Poborský|pos=MF|13|1|2|0|2|0}}

{{Efs player|no=8|nat=ESP|name=Chano|pos=MF|23|2|1|0|0|0}}

{{Efs player|no=9{{Sup|‡}}|nat=NED|name=Pierre van Hooijdonk|pos=FW|30|19|3|2|2|2}}

{{Efs player|no=10|nat=EGY|name=Abdel Sattar Sabry|pos=MF|24|3|3|1|2|0}}

{{Efs player|no=11|nat=POR|name=João Tomás|pos=FW|31|17|3|1|2|0}}

{{Efs player|no=12|nat=ARG|name=Carlos Bossio|pos=GK|8|-12|0|0|0|0}}

{{Efs player|no=13|nat=BRA|name=Ronaldo Guiaro|pos=DF|24|1|3|0|2|0}}

{{Efs player|no=14|nat=CHI|name=Cristián Uribe|pos=MF|4|0|0|0|1|0}}

{{Efs player|no=15|nat=PAR|name=Ricardo Rojas|pos=DF|9|0|1|0|2|0}}

{{Efs player|no=16|nat=POR|name=Sérgio Nunes|pos=DF|3|0|1|0|1|0}}

{{Efs player|no=17|nat=UKR|name=Serhiy Kandaurov|pos=MF|7|0|0|0|1|0}}

{{Efs player|no=18{{Sup|‡}}|nat=POR|name=Carlitos|pos=MF|22|2|2|0|1|0}}

{{Efs player|no=19|nat=CPV|name=Toy|pos=FW|4|0|1|0|0|0}}

{{Efs player|no=20|nat=POR|name=Maniche|pos=MF|26|1|4|1|2|0}}

{{Efs player|no=21{{Sup|‡}}|nat=POR|name=Dani|pos=MF|5|0|0|0|0|0}}

{{Efs player|no=22|nat=POR|name=José Calado|pos=MF|19|0|4|0|1|0}}

{{Efs player|no=23{{Sup|‡}}|nat=POR|name=Miguel Monteiro|pos=DF|23|1|2|0|1|1}}

{{Efs player|no=24|nat=POR|name=José Moreira|pos=GK|0|0|0|0|0|0}}

{{Efs player|no=25{{Sup|‡}}|nat=BRA|name=Roger|pos=MF|12|2|1|0|0|0}}

{{Efs player|no=26{{Sup|‡}}|nat=EQG|name=André Neles|pos=FW|9|1|1|0|0|0}}

{{Efs player|no=27|nat=POR|name=Ricardo Esteves|pos=DF|14|0|2|0|0|0}}

{{Efs player|no=28|nat=POR|name=Rui Baião|pos=MF|6|1|0|0|0|0}}

{{Efs player|no=29{{Sup|‡}}|nat=POR|name=Ednilson|pos=MF|12|0|1|0|0|0}}

{{Efs player|no=36|nat=POR|name=Diogo Luís|pos=DF|23|0|2|0|0|0}}

{{Efs player|no=40|nat=POR|name=Nuno Abreu|pos=DF|0|0|1|0|0|0}}

{{Efs player|no=57|nat=POR|name=Geraldo Alves|pos=DF|5|0|1|0|0|0}}

|}

• 2000–01 in Portuguese football

;Specific

{{Reflist}}

;General

• {{cite book | last=Tovar |first=Rui Miguel | title=Almanaque do Benfica| trans-title=Benfica Almanac| publisher=Lua de Papel |location=Portugal| year=2012| isbn=978-989-23-2087-8 }}

{{S.L. Benfica seasons}}

{{2000–01 in Portuguese football}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:2000-01 S.L. Benfica season}}

Category:S.L. Benfica seasons

Benfica