"I failed to get the message across to those who wanted change."

The scenario was diametrically opposed. Far fewer supporters, far less enthusiasm, an almost non-existent reaction to the official results from the first polling stations, even though they showed significant victories in a mere percentage sense that were insignificant in the overall picture. If throughout the day there wasn't much hope given the high voter turnout that should have favored Rui Costa, the information coming from delegates across the country didn't improve the situation either. Naturally, it was time to concede defeat , and when not even half of the polling stations had released their official results, João Noronha Lopes, accompanied by his entire campaign team (including Pedro Ferreira), spoke at the hotel where he had stayed all night.

Benfica elections. Rui Costa is strengthening his lead, Noronha concedes defeat: "It was my fault, I take responsibility for that."

“First of all, I want to congratulate everyone on their extraordinary participation and thank all the staff who made it possible. As Benfica supporters, thank you all very much. Benfica supporters voted and the result is clear: I want to congratulate Rui Costa. It's a resounding victory. I hope he can unite Benfica supporters and I will do everything I can to make that happen. I take responsibility for this defeat. It was I who failed to convince Benfica supporters. I want to thank the volunteers, delegates, members of my list, especially Gonçalo Almeida Ribeiro, who is at the Pavilion, and my friend Bagão Félix, whom I thank once again for his participation. I also want to thank everyone who was part of the campaign,” he commented, referring to the manager in his concession speech (without having yet contacted Rui Costa).

“I will not forget Ivan Ferreira, to whom I was unable to fulfill my promise, but who will be with me forever. From now on, I ask my supporters, especially the younger ones, to remember our motto: Benfica is above all else. Continue to support the team and fill the stadium and pavilions. Continue to be demanding. I will once again be member number 5,001 and tomorrow [Sunday] I will be there supporting the team. Allow me also to thank my family, who supported me and were there during the difficult times and unforgettable journeys. I end with a quote from Cosme Damião: 'I am not a Benfica supporter at heart because one day that stops, but in spirit because it is eternal,'” concluded Noronha Lopes in his speech, once again remembering one of the volunteers who lost his life during the election campaign before answering some questions from the journalists present at the election night headquarters.

“I believe that from now on Rui Costa is in a position to deserve the responsibility and have a good term. The elections end today and I hope that we can all unite Benfica supporters. Today is the time for Benfica supporters to be happy with this electoral act and tomorrow we will all be together. I will return to my status as a member, to be in the stands. Rui Costa has his list. I will be a member again. I will be present at the General Assemblies, in the stands supporting him,” he replied, avoiding the question about a third candidacy for the leadership of Benfica after the defeats with Vieira in 2020 and now with Rui Costa in 2025.

“Rui Costa was elected with a significant majority and has his team; it is with them that he will build the next four years. Did I congratulate him? I am congratulating him now. My greatest legacy is that of Benfica supporter. I ran with great pride, and my legacy is having participated in the discussion, presenting ideas, and trying to be constructive. My program is at Rui Costa's disposal; I always said it was a program for Benfica. Everyone's contribution is precisely that: to contribute to a significant vote that only enhances the greatest club in the world. As Benfica supporters, we all have to be proud of this electoral act,” highlighted the manager, who ended up with a lower percentage than in 2020.

“What went wrong? I was the one who failed. I couldn't get my message across to those who wanted change. I am responsible for this defeat. But I ask: don't give up on Benfica. Benfica belongs to the club's owners, to the members. Continue to support Benfica. There is a new generation that wants to help the club, and that is something we should be proud of. My supporters and those of the other lists should continue to live Benfica and participate in the General Assemblies. As a member, I will go on with my life and support Benfica in any way I can. Benfica always comes first,” Noronha Lopes reiterated, after which he greeted all the members of the lists for the governing bodies in a premature end to the evening.