Benfica sacked coach Jesualdo Ferreira after a humiliating fourth round domestic cup exit at the hands of third division Gondomar.

The former European champions went down 1-0 to compound a poor league run which has seen them slip seven points adrift of championship leaders FC Porto.

Ferreira has not left the club, however, but been moved ‘upstairs’ as overall football co-ordinator.

Former international winger Fernando Chalana has taken over first-team coaching duties on caretaker terms. Benfica have not won the league since 1993 and missed out again on European competition this term.
By Keir Radnedge