Roger Schmidt’s spell as Benfica manager is over, less than 24 hours after a dubious added time penalty secured a last gasp 1-1 draw at Moreirense.
Eagles president Rui Costa, who looked like a defeated man himself in Moreira de Cónegos, announced the departure of the German coach at a press conference in Seixal.
“Roger Schmidt is no longer the coach of Benfica. I confirm this. I want to thank him for all his efforts, two titles and for the players he has trained.”
The club had already sent a statement to the Securities Market Commission (CMVM), informing them that negotiations to terminate the contract were underway.
Costa is likely to have a successor lined up, Leonardo Jardim rumoured to be the next boss at Estádio da Luz.
Moreirense continued their fine start to the season under new coach César Peixoto.
If the start of the Primeira Liga season wasn’t exciting enough, we’ve only had to wait until Jornada 4 before our first big clássico. It’s first place versus second as reigning champions Sporting host a Porto team who’ve won every competitive game so far under their new manager Vítor Bruno.
Braga earned a 2-2 draw against Rapid Vienna in the Europa League play-off second leg to win 4-3 on aggregate and qualify for the league phase.
At the fourth time of asking a Portuguese club has finally made it through the UEFA Conference League qualifying stages and will take part in the competition proper.