Both Jorge Jesus and José Mourinho knew that a point would virtually guarantee their respective teams - Benfica and Chelsea - their national titles and so it was to be. Chelsea ground out a 0-0 draw away at Arsenal whilst the Eagles did likewise at home to FC Porto.
Benfica will retain the crown even if they drop four points in their remaining four games; a very unlikely scenario with the run-in featuring games against basement outfits Gil Vicente and, Penafiel, fifth-placed Vitoria de Guimarães and finally at home to mid-table Marítimo.
The much anticipated Clássico at the Estádio da Luz saw only two real efforts on goal. With half-time fast approaching Danilo’s cross caused panic in the Benfica defence.
FC Porto’s normally lethal striker Jackson Martinez suddenly found himself with a metre of space to smash a dropping ball at goal from fifteen metres out, but his volley flew over the bar.
Ten minutes before the final whistle Benfica’s Fejsa had the best chance of the game but the Serb whacked his effort over the bar from close range then held his head in his hands as he realised what an opportunity he had just wasted. Benfica fans were cheering as the final whistle sounded, whilst honking car horns outside the stadium signalled that many of the club’s supporters believe the outcome of the match all but guarantees a second successive title.
Back in London the Chelsea fans were likewise in celebratory mood as two wins from their remaining four fixtures will see the title return to west London.
In Mourinho’s last spell at Stamford Bridge he won two league titles, an FA Cup and two League Cups in three seasons and who would bet against him leading Chelsea to success in Europe next season.
Mourinho has averaged a piece of silverware every 35 matches as a manager but Pep Guardiola has won one every 19 games during his time at Barcelona and Bayern Munich. Liverpool legend Bob Paisley won a trophy every 26 games while Louis van Gaal has collected a winner’s medal every 43 matches.
The incomparable Sir Alex Ferguson averaged a trophy win every 48 games during his career. Elsewhere in the English Premier League, Swansea’s on-loan Benfica striker Nélson Oliveira was the star of the Swans 3-2 win at beleaguered Newcastle. The Portugal international scored one and was instrumental in the build-up to the other two goals.
In the Portuguese Segunda Liga SC Portimonense went down 4-2 at league leaders Tondela with the other two Algarve sides winning 1-0 away.
Harramiz Soares scored for SC Farense at Marítimo ‘B’ and Rodrigo António netted the all- important goal for SC Olhanense as they eased their relegation worries.
On Saturday, kick-off 4pm, Olhanense are at home at the José Arcanjo Stadium, Olhão (Behind McDonalds on the EN125) to promotion chasing Chaves, a key game for both teams.