By Jake Glavies

In a country with a population smaller than that of Los Angeles or New York, a former football power is plotting its return to glory.

Situated in the Portuguese capital of Lisbon, Benfica – one of the most decorated teams of the 1960s – has claimed a league-leading 31 Portuguese Liga titles, but has recently fallen on tough times. But in its heyday, it was known as a giant slayer. During an era when Real Madrid had won five-straight European Champions’ Cups, now known as the Champions League, spanning from 1955-60, Benfica was the first to knock the Spanish giant from its lofty perch. In 1961, tiny Benfica claimed the first of two-straight European Champions’ Cups, beating Barcelona to claim the title of best in Europe. The following year the Eagles managed to top Madrid in the finals to win their last European title.

Throughout the rest of the decade, Benfica continued its push for greatness. Making it to the European Cup finals in 1963, ’65 and ’68, the Lisbon squad was one of the top clubs of its day. And it was reflected in the company it kept. After downing Barcelona and Real Madrid in its two cup victories, Benfica clashed with such giants as Milan (1963), Inter (1965) and Manchester United (1968) before the golden age in Lisbon came to a close. By the time the decade was over, the squad had added eight Portuguese Liga titles and three Portuguese Cups to its haul.

The Eagles soared to the top of the soccer ranks on the back of the legendary Eusebio. As the only Benfica player to ever win the Ballon d’Or (1965) and European Golden Boot Awards (1968, 1973), it was Eusebio that carried the club to greatness. Often overlooked in the annals of soccer history, he managed to score an astonishing 727 goals in 715 career matches. He helped Benfica to four more Liga titles and two Portuguese Cups before leaving the club in 1975.

Benfica managed to reach the European Cup final twice in the late 1980s, but after Eusebio left the squad became a shell of its former self. Not only did it drop out of the European scene, but it was struggling to be the best in its own country. Winning just 10 league titles since 1975, with the most recent coming in 2004, the Eagles have given way to rival club Porto. Benfica may have been the class of the Liga in the past, but it’s Porto leading the way now – winning six of the last seven league titles and 24 overall.

The squad has reason to be hopeful of a turnaround, though. Through 20 matches this season, new manager Jorge Jesus has the Eagles back on top of the Liga table. Led by talented players such as Oscar Cardozo, 16 goals, and goalkeeper Quim – who’s allowed just 10 scores this season with 11 clean sheets – the future is looking very bright for Benfica.