Ball – Sergio Conceicao attacks John Mortimer’s record in Benfica (Porto)

With the stated goal of reclaiming the national title, FC Porto de Sergio Conceicao fans used to break national and international records in a five-season reign. And on the horizon is an important milestone in the history of the tournaments, because if the Dragons win or draw against Santa Clara, next Monday evening, in Estádio do Dragão, they will equal the best record of a Portuguese team in consecutive matches without losing. The main event in the Portuguese calendar.

That achievement still belongs to Benfica led by John Mortimer, who in the 1970s had no fewer than 56 (!) games in a row without losing in the tournament, a bar now just one game away from the Blues and the Whites, who could make history in the next round. from the league.

The last defeat of the team led by Sergio Conceicao was in the sixth round of last season, in Pacos de Ferreira. The match, which the coach considered the worst of his career, deviated towards the Beavers, who beat favorite club Porto 3-2, curiously with two goals from Alan FC Porto, achieved by penalty kicks, and Eustachio.

Benfica, the record holder in the seventies, in which names such as Pinto, Toni, Humberto Coelho, Bastos Lopez, Petra, Shallana and Vitor Batista, among others, among others, marathoned for days – more precisely 673 (from October 24, 1976 in August) 28, 1978 – Without knowing the bitter taste of defeat at the main level of the Portuguese calendar that ended the long unbeaten race by the men of Luz it was precisely FC Porto, in the second round of the 1978/1979 season.

In this remarkable journey of Sérgio Conceição’s side there is a commendable performance of 44 victories and 11 draws – seven of which refer to last season and four to this season, with Sporting (twice), Maritimo and Gil Vicente.

Read more in print or in print Digital from the ball