Benfica Coach Baptista Reacts to Player Shower Celebration After Title Win

Benfica women’s football coach Ivan Baptista celebrated the team’s historic sixth consecutive Portuguese league title with his players, but appeared less than enthused when they doused him with water during post-match festivities. The incident occurred following Benfica’s 3-1 victory over Sporting Braga on April 25, 2026, which secured the club’s sixth straight championship in the Primeira Liga Feminina.

Video footage shared by Portuguese sports outlet A Bola captured the moment Baptista was soaked by his jubilant players during the championship celebration. While the coach has consistently expressed pride in the team’s achievement throughout the season, his reaction to the impromptu shower appeared more reserved compared to the players’ exuberant celebrations.

Baptista has been vocal about the significance of the accomplishment, describing the six-peat as “something unimaginable” in multiple post-match interviews. Speaking after the title-clinching victory in Braga, he emphasized the collective effort required to overcome challenges throughout the season, particularly noting how the team responded to various injuries that affected the squad.

“Each time more I am convinced that, independently of who is in this place of coach, this team is prepared to win, since it has a group of players that breathes victory and has a staff of the most professional that I have ever seen,” Baptista stated, highlighting the resilience of his squad amid personnel challenges.

The victory over Braga not only secured the league title but also positioned Benfica to pursue a domestic double, with the team set to face FC Porto in the Portuguese Cup final. Porto had recently earned promotion to the top division, setting up what Baptista described as a significant challenge for his side.

Team captain Pauleta has echoed her coach’s sentiments regarding the achievement, emphasizing the quality and unity within the group as key factors in their sustained success. The Portuguese international has been instrumental in Benfica’s dominance, providing leadership both on and off the pitch throughout the championship campaign.

Looking ahead, Benfica will host rivals Sporting CP at the Estádio da Luz in their next league fixture. Baptista acknowledged that the match would carry special significance as the already-crowned champions look to further extend their lead over their Lisbon rivals while maintaining their perfect record.

The celebration incident has drawn attention across Portuguese sports media, with various outlets highlighting the contrast between the players’ jubilant expressions and their coach’s more composed reaction to the spontaneous water dousing. Despite the lighthearted moment, the focus remains on Benfica’s historic achievement in Portuguese women’s football.

As Benfica prepares for the Portuguese Cup final against FC Porto, the team aims to complete a rare domestic double that would further cement their status as the dominant force in Portuguese women’s football. The accomplishment would add another layer to what Baptista has consistently described as an “unimaginable” achievement for the club and its supporters.

Share your thoughts on Benfica’s historic achievement and the celebration moment in the comments below.