The 1967–68 season was Sport Lisboa e Benfica's 64st season in existence and the club's 34st consecutive season in the top flight of Portuguese football, covering the period from 1 August 1967 to 31 July 1968. Domestically, Benfica competed in the Primeira Divisão and Taça de Portugal, while internationally participated in the European Cup.
Long-serving players Costa Pereira, Germano and Augusto Silva left the club, while the board decided to maintain Fernando Riera as head coach for a second season. Midway through the campaign Riera left the club, and Otto Glória returned as manager. Benfica won its 16th league title, reached the semi-finals of the Taça de Portugal, and advanced to the European Cup final, where they lost 4–1 after extra time to Manchester United at Wembley Stadium.
Season summary After reclaiming the league title, the board decided to retain Fernando Riera as coach for another season. Long-time goalkeeper Costa Pereira, defender Germano, and midfielder Augusto Silva all left the club.
Pre-season began with a 3–2 victory over Belenenses, followed by a four-match tour of the Americas: a 2–1 win against Junior Barranquilla, a 4–0 win against Club Guaraní, a 3–2 win against Barcelona S.C., and two 1–1 draws with Boca Juniors.
Later, a 3–1 victory over Sporting CP sent Benfica to the final of the Taça de Honra, where they defeated Atlético 6–0.
The official season began on 9 September with a 2–1 home win against Vitória de Guimarães in the opening league match. In the following three rounds, Benfica recorded victories over Barreirense, Braga, and Vitória de Setúbal, finishing the month level on points with Porto. In Europe, Benfica eliminated Glentoran on away goals, drawing 1–1 away and 0–0 at home.
Next, they played the Costa Pereira tribute match, drawing 2–2 with Atlético Madrid. This was followed by a 13–1 aggregate win over Montijo in the first round of the Taça de Portugal, a 0–0 away draw with Belenenses, and a 6–0 home win against Leixões. November began with a 0–0 away draw against Tirsense, followed by a 2–0 home victory over Saint-Étienne and a 1–0 defeat in France, which was enough to advance to the next round of the European Cup. Riera left the club following the 1–0 defeat, after being dismissed by president Adolfo Vieira de Brito, with Fernando Cabrita appointed as caretaker manager. Benfica began December with three consecutive league victories before losing 3–1 away to Sporting CP, ending the month level on points with their rivals. The new year started with a 3–2 home win against Porto, followed by a 1–1 away draw with Varzim.
In February, the team won its first three league matches before falling 3–2 in Setúbal, finishing the month two points behind Sporting. March proved more successful: Benfica won all three of their league games, eliminated Sanjoanense 4–2 on aggregate in the Taça de Portugal, and defeated Vasas SC 3–0 on aggregate in the European Cup quarter-finals. April brought mixed results. Benfica began with a 2–0 away defeat to CUF, after which Otto Glória returned as coach. Under his leadership, the team beat Sanjoanense 6–0, drew 1–1 with Académica in Coimbra, and defeated Sporting 1–0 at home, finishing the month one point clear at the top of the table. In May, Benfica drew 1–1 with Porto at home and beat Varzim 1–0, securing the league title.
Still in May, Benfica overcame Juventus 2–0 at home and 1–0 away to reach the European Cup final. In the Taça de Portugal, they defeated Barreirense 5–3 on aggregate before being eliminated 5–2 on aggregate by Porto in the semi-finals.
On 29 May, Benfica faced Manchester United in the European Cup final at Wembley Stadium, losing 4–1 after extra time.
Competitions
Overall record CompetitionFirst matchLast matchRecordGWDLGFGAGDWin %SourcePrimeira Divisão9 September 196712 May 1968Taça de Portugal8 October 19679 June 1968European Cup13 September 196729 May 1968Total
Primeira Divisão
League standings
Matches
Taça de Portugal
First round
Second round
Quarter-Finals
Semi-Finals
European Cup
First Round
Second Round
Quarter-Finals
Semi-Finals
Final
Friendlies
Player statistics The squad for the season consisted of the players listed in the tables below, as well as staff member Fernando Riera (manager), Otto Glória (manager), Fernando Cabrita (assistant manager).
References