Nicolás Otamendi does not hide his frustration: Benfica has experienced a period of “ups and downs” that fell far short of the club’s ambitions. The captain of the Eagles, after the 3-1 victory against Estoril, took to social media to candidly admit that the team failed to achieve the set objectives and that their collective performance was far from what was required.
“We did not meet our objectives, and there are no excuses. We know that we did not live up to what this club deserves,” wrote the 38-year-old Argentine defender, highlighting the inconsistency of the season: “It has been an irregular season, far from what we sought as a group. There is no other option but to take responsibility. It hurts, but it also forces us to reflect, learn, and improve.” Otamendi did not shy away from acknowledging the pressure that comes with being part of Benfica: “This club demands a lot, and that’s perfectly fine.”
In a tone of venting, the veteran also defended the players’ dedication to the fans: “Thank you to those who have always been with us, in good times and in bad.”
Benfica finished the 2025/26 Liga Betclic in third place, a position that forces the Eagles to compete in the second qualifying round of the Europa League next season. It is a bitter outcome for a club with the tradition and ambition of the Reds, who had hoped to fight for the title until the end.
In the last match, Otamendi was once again a guaranteed presence in the starting eleven, completing the full 90 minutes of the victory in Estoril, but the win over the team from the coast will not be enough to erase the shadow of a season that, in the words of its leader, fell far short of expectations.
This is a moment of reflection for Benfica, which will need to rethink strategies and strengthen the squad to once again be a contender in the fight for the national title and in European competitions. Otamendi, as an experienced figure and voice of authority, has already issued the challenge: to learn from mistakes and return stronger. The pressure for the upcoming season is immense, and Benfica knows it cannot afford to fail again.
This article first appeared on [Apito Final](https://apitofinal.pt/).
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