Jose Mourinho's Benfica are on the verge of an extraordinary achievement—completing an entire Primeira Liga season unbeaten. Yet, in a cruel twist of fate, that historic feat won't be enough to secure the club's 39th league title.

With just two matches remaining, Benfica could join the exclusive "invincibles" club. But Porto, led by former Chelsea and Tottenham boss Andre Villas-Boas, have already wrapped up the championship after moving nine points clear at the weekend. Porto have lost only once in 32 games this season, while Benfica's 10 draws—six more than the champions—have proven costly.

Benfica will seal an invincible campaign if they avoid defeat against Braga on Sunday and Estoril Praia on the final day. But this wouldn't be the first time they've gone unbeaten and ended up empty-handed. In 1977-78, Porto edged them on goal difference after drawing two fewer games.

This season, Benfica could join FC Sheriff (Moldova, 2024-25) and Red Star Belgrade (Serbia, 2007-08) as the only European sides this century to miss out on a title despite an unbeaten league run. They might even slip to third, sitting just three points above Sporting, who have a game in hand and a superior goal difference.

Portuguese publication A Bola noted that Benfica "gifted" Porto 12 points after squandering leads in six of their 10 draws. But after Saturday's 2-2 draw at Famalicao, Benfica president Rui Costa pointed fingers at the officials, claiming a disputed penalty and a phantom corner cost them dearly.

For Mourinho and Benfica, this season will be remembered as a missed opportunity—though an invincible record would offer some consolation. As the saying goes, you can't win them all, but going unbeaten and still coming up short is a story that will be told for years.