Benfica midfielder Nemanja Matic believes the club deserved to win a trophy this season.
What looked like being a memorable season for the club ended in misery on three fronts, as they finished the term agonisingly.
With three weeks of the campaign remaining Benfica were unbeaten in the league, and into cup finals at home and in Europe, however, 2-1 defeats in three crucial matches meant they won nothing.
A last-gasp defeat to Porto in their penultimate league fixture saw their opponents jump above them and go on to win the title, a final-minute header from Branislav Ivanovic saw Chelsea win the UEFA Europa League over the Lisbon side and two goals in the final 10 minutes helped Vitoria Guimares lift the Portuguese Cup on Sunday.
“I don’t know what happened in the last 10 minutes,” Matic said. “We surely deserved to win something this season.”
Striker Oscar Cardozo caused controversy when he pushed boss Jesus on the pitch and ranted at members of the club’s coaching and playing staff after the final whistle.
However, the 30-year-old issued an apology on his Facebook page.
The Paraguay international said: “I apologise to all Benfica fans and want you to know I have this club in my heart.
“It was a terrible and nerve-wrecking end of season and I hope you never doubt my passion. I love Benfica”.
- Soccer News Like
- Be the first of your friends!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
SoccerNews
Soccernews.com is news blog for soccer with comprehensive coverage of all the major leagues in Europe, as well as MLS in the United States. In addition we offer breaking news for transfers and transfer rumors, ticket sales, betting tips and offers, match previews, and in-depth editorials.
You can follow us on Facebook: Facebook.com/soccernews.com or Twitter: @soccernewsfeed.