Benfica secures Portuguese title with big win over relegated Santa Clara

Benfica has become Portuguese champions for the 38th time thanks to a 3-0 home victory over straggler Santa Clara. The team of former PSV coach Roger Schmidt, in his first season in Lisbon, takes the title from FC Porto, which in theory still had a chance of capturing its 31st title.

Because it was 1-1 in mutual duels (with an equal goal difference in those duels), in the event of a tie, the goal difference from the entire league would be decisive. Benfica’s was better and so a draw in Lisbon in the 34th and final round of play sufficed.

After just under half an hour, the fans at Estádio de Luz went wild after goals from Gonçalo Ramos, who headed in after only seven minutes, and Rafa Silva. Grimaldo, after a handball from the penalty spot, signed for the 3-0 against already relegated Santa Clara.