Benfica thrash Vitória Guimarães to lift historic 4th successive title

In front of a capacity crowd at the Estádio da Luz, Benfica beat Vitória Guimarães 5-0 to clinch the 2016/17 Portuguese championship with a game to spare.

First-half goals by Franco Cervi, Raul Jiménez, Pizzi and Jonas completely blitzed a Vitória side who had come into the match in sparkling form, having won their previous seven matches. Jonas completed the rout with a second-half penalty, and the visitors can count themselves lucky they did not concede more.

It is the first time in Benfica’s illustrious history that the Lisbon club has won four straight championship titles.

 

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Rui Vitória, Benfica coach: "This title was more difficult and more satisfying than last season's. Our rivals strengthened themselves by building great squads for the start of the season. I feel privileged to be able to experience this moment."

Luisão, Benfica captain: "It's the emotion and friendship among all the players who every day are proud to train. Throughout the championship we put our utmost into every game, finishing one match then thinking about the next one. This (victory) is priceless."

Nelson Semedo: "It's fantastic, it was an incredible year. Today was the most important day, for sure. Now it's off to the Marquês which will be rocking!"

Ederson: "It's a fantastic moment. I still can't believe it. I'm so happy. I have to really thank all my team-mates. We stumbled, but we picked ourselves up. This is a fantastic squad, in the changing room we're united, we are a family."


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Pizzi: "It was an incredible performance. From the start we were pushed forward by our fans who were marvellous. This is the culmination of a great season, with a lot of sacrifice and a lot of hard work. We're in the history of Benfica, this great club, and we're very proud of what we've done."

Salvio: "It's an enormous joy to be four-time champions for Benfica. This squad deserves the best. It's a moment of huge happiness."

Jonas: "Togetherness, friendship. That's what makes this group different. We are all to be congratulated. When I came here I didn't expect this. I want to continue at Benfica."

Mitroglou: "I'm very happy for the team and for the fans, for achieving this historic landmark for the club. I don't know how I'm going to tell this beautiful story to my children. This was my best season at Benfica."

by Tom Kundert