The Guttmann Curse: S.L. Benfica, one of Portugal’s most iconic football clubs, boasts a rich history and a legion of passionate fans. However, despite their domestic success, they have encountered a formidable obstacle in their quest for European glory – the Champions League curse. This article delves into the events that have unfolded in Benfica’s European campaigns and examines the lasting impact it has had on the club across seasons.
The Early European Glory
Benfica’s Champions League journey began with immense promise in the early 1960s. Under the guidance of the legendary Béla Guttmann, they reached the pinnacle of European football, clinching back-to-back Champions League titles in 1961 and 1962. These victories heralded a golden era for the club, and it seemed as though Benfica was destined for continuous success in Europe.
The Guttmann Curse
However, their European success soon took a tragic turn. After the 1962 triumph, Béla Guttmann, who was instrumental in Benfica’s success, demanded a pay raise. When the club’s leadership declined, Guttmann famously cursed the team, stating that they would not win another European title for 100 years. To this day, Benfica’s faithful attribute the “Guttmann Curse” to the club’s European woes.
The Post Guttmann era: Near-Misses in 1960s
Following the departure of the Hungarian, the all star team of Benfica made it to three finals in six years. However, they missed out on the title on all three of those occasions.
The 1963 European Cup Final
In the 1962-1963 season, Benfica reached their third European Cup final, facing off against A.C. Milan at Wembley Stadium in London on May 22, 1963. The match was a highly anticipated showdown between two footballing giants.
Benfica put on a spirited display, but they were met with stiff resistance from Milan’s defense. The match remained deadlocked at 1-1 after 90 minutes, leading to extra time. Unfortunately for Benfica, Milan managed to score a late goal in the extra period, sealing a 2-1 victory and breaking the Portuguese side’s hearts.
The 1965 European Cup Final
In the 1964-1965 season, Benfica returned to the European Cup final for the fourth time, aiming to secure their third title. The final took place at the San Siro Stadium in Milan, Italy, on May 27, 1965, and saw Benfica once again face Inter Milan.
The match was fiercely contested, with both teams creating scoring opportunities. However, Inter Milan’s attacking prowess proved decisive, as they emerged victorious with a 1-0 win. The solitary goal came from Jair da Costa, leaving Benfica to taste defeat for the second time in a European Cup final.
The 1968 European Cup Final
The 1967-1968 season saw Benfica reach their fifth European Cup final, aiming to claim their third title. On May 29, 1968, at Wembley Stadium in London, they squared off against Manchester United in what would be an enthralling encounter.
Benfica took the lead early in the match through a goal from Jaime Graça, but Manchester United equalized to force extra time. In the extra period, Manchester United scored twice to secure a 4-1 victory, inflicting yet another heartbreaking defeat on Benfica in the European Cup final.
The 1980s and 1990s: Continued Heartbreaks
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Benfica experienced several more heartbreaks in the Champions League.
The 1988 UEFA Champions League Final
The 1987-1988 season marked Benfica’s triumphant return to the European stage, as they navigated their way through the tournament to reach the final. On May 25, 1988, at the Neckarstadion in Stuttgart, Germany, Benfica faced off against PSV Eindhoven in what would be a closely contested encounter.
In the final, Benfica’s attacking flair was on display, as they created numerous chances and applied relentless pressure on PSV’s defense. However, despite their offensive prowess, they were unable to find the breakthrough, and the match ended in a goalless draw after extra time.
The fate of the final was decided through a nerve-wracking penalty shoot-out. Unfortunately for Benfica, they fell short in the shootout, losing 6-5 to PSV. The heartbreak of missing out on European glory was palpable, as the players and fans were left to rue their missed opportunities.
The 1990 UEFA Champions League Final
Two years later, in the 1989-1990 season, Benfica once again found themselves in the Champions League final. The stage was set for a dramatic showdown at the Praterstadion in Vienna, Austria. As they faced the formidable AC Milan on May 23, 1990.
The final was a closely contested affair, with both teams displaying tactical acumen and defensive resilience. AC Milan, boasting a star-studded lineup including the likes of Paolo Maldini and Frank Rijkaard, posed a formidable challenge for Benfica.
In the end, the match ended in a 1-0 victory for AC Milan. With the decisive goal scored by Frank Rijkaard in the 68th minute. Benfica fought valiantly until the final whistle. But they were unable to find the equalizer and force the match into extra time.
The defeat in the 1990 final marked Benfica’s seventh European Cup final loss. Further adding to the club’s agonizing history of near-misses in the competition. Despite their impressive performances throughout the tournament, they once again fell agonizingly short of lifting the coveted European trophy. This loss was especially bitter, as it marked Benfica’s seventh European Cup final and their fifth defeat. Adding to the club’s storied legacy of tragedies in the competition.
Statue of Béla Guttmann: A Symbol of Hope
In 1991, on the occasion of Benfica’s 88th anniversary, the club unveiled a bronze statue of Béla Guttmann at the Estádio da Luz. The statue was meant to commemorate his extraordinary contributions to the club during their golden era. Perhaps, to lift the curse that had haunted them for decades. Benfica’s management and fans hoped that the presence of Guttmann’s statue would bring about a change in fortune. And spur the team to European success once again. Unfortunately, the curse continued to haunt the club. Leading to a string of disappointing Champions League campaigns in the following years.
The Struggle for Consistency
The 21st century witnessed Benfica’s struggle for consistency in the Champions League. While they have frequently progressed to the group stages and occasionally reached the knockout rounds. They have been unable to advance to the latter stages consistently. Close calls, agonizing defeats and lack of breakthrough performances only added to the perception of the curse’s effect on the club’s European aspirations.
The Quest for Redemption
In recent seasons, Benfica’s management and players have spoken about breaking the curse and making a mark in European competition. However, despite their best efforts, they have been unable to secure the coveted Champions League title. With each passing campaign, the Guttmann Curse continues to loom large. Thus, adding to the pressure on successive generations of Benfica players.
Benfica’s Champions League curse remains a poignant and significant aspect of the club’s history. Despite their domestic dominance and passionate fan base, the elusive European glory has eluded them for decades. The Guttmann Curse, combined with near-misses and heartbreaks in the competition, has left a lasting impact on the club and its supporters. As Benfica continues its pursuit of Champions League success, the hope for redemption and the desire to break the curse remain ever-present, making each new European campaign an emotional and pivotal journey for the club.
