Mourinho's Benfica still unbeaten - but miss out on title

Jose Mourinho led Porto to Champions League glory in 2004 before joining Chelsea [Getty Images]

With two games left in Portugal's top flight, Jose Mourinho's Benfica could join the list of 'invincibles' to have gone an entire season without losing.

Remarkably, however, that achievement will not be enough to deliver the club's 39th league title.

Porto have already been crowned champions after moving nine points clear of second-placed Benfica at the weekend.

Under the presidency of former Chelsea and Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas, Porto have lost just one of their 32 games this term.

While Benfica have not lost any, they have had 10 draws - six more than the champions.

Primeira Liga table [BBC]

Benfica will complete an invincible season if they avoid defeat against Braga on Sunday and Estoril Praia on the Primeira Liga's final day.

Remarkably, this would not be the first time they had gone a league season unbeaten and ended up trophyless.

In 1977-78, Porto drew two games fewer and pipped them to the league title on goal difference.

Mourinho's Benfica could join FC Sheriff in Moldova (2024-25) and Serbian side Red Star Belgrade (2007-08) as the only European sides this century to miss out on a league title despite going an entire season without losing.

Have Benfica 'gifted' Porto the title?

Mourinho and Benfica will surely view this season as a missed opportunity - although an invincible campaign would be some solace.

They could even finish third given they are only three points ahead of Sporting, who have a game in hand and a supeerior goal difference.