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Benfica Feminino has etched its name even deeper into the annals of Portuguese football history. On a crisp Saturday afternoon, the Eagles claimed their fifth consecutive Liga BPI title in emphatic style with a 3-0 win over Valadares Gaia, sealing the championship with two games to spare.
The Estádio da Tapadinha crackled with anticipation, and it was Christy Ucheibe, the tireless Nigerian midfielder, who lit the spark in the 30th minute. Rising above her marker on a well-timed corner, Ucheibe’s bullet header thundered into the net, sending the stands into a frenzy. It was a goal worthy of the occasion, one that perfectly symbolized Benfica’s blend of power, precision, and poise.
Twelve minutes later, Martín Gutierrez, the architect in midfield all season, doubled the lead with a composed finish after a dazzling sequence of passes carved open the Valadares defense. With the game firmly in control, Benita Cameiro added a third in the 75th minute, side-footing home after a sweeping counter-attack that showcased the speed and synchronicity of a side operating at the peak of its powers.
With this victory, Benfica joins an elite club in Portuguese women’s football. Only 1º Dezembro, the historic side with 12 national titles, has matched such sustained dominance, winning five in a row from 2001/02 to 2005/06, and a staggering eleven consecutive titles through 2011/12.
Now, Benfica Feminino, in just their seventh year of existence, has added their name to that conversation. Founded in 2018, their meteoric rise has been nothing short of extraordinary. From storming through the second division in their debut season to now standing tall with five straight top-flight titles, the Lisbon giants have built not just a team, but a dynasty.
It’s not merely about titles. It’s about how they’ve been won. With flair, with fearlessness, and above all, with a hunger that never fades. Manager Filipa Patão, a tactician as composed as she is commanding, has masterminded a squad that blends seasoned internationals with emerging local talent.
“This is not just about being the best today,” Patão said after the game. “It’s about creating a standard for tomorrow. It’s about showing young girls across Portugal what’s possible in football.”
For Christy Ucheibe, Saturday’s opener was more than a goal, it was a statement. Since her arrival from Nigeria, the midfield general has become the beating heart of this Benfica side. Her relentless energy, ability to break up play, and moments of attacking brilliance have made her one of the most complete midfielders in Liga BPI.
