Portuguesa 1996

Portuguesa de Desportos team that reached the final of the 1996 Brazilian Championship and finished as runner-up, defeated by Grêmio. It was the Lusa's best national campaign in the era of modern points and knockout system.

History

Portuguesa de Desportos, founded in 1920 and based in the Canindé neighborhood in São Paulo, had one of the most remarkable campaigns in its national football history in 1996. The team advanced through the knockout stages of the Brazilian Championship and reached the final of the competition. In the final, Lusa faced Grêmio, which won the title. Even without the trophy, the 1996 Brazilian runner-up position is remembered as one of the highest points in the club's trajectory. Midfielder Zé Roberto was part of the red and green squad and soon after moved on to European football, where he gained great prominence. The 1996 campaign remains as a reference for Portuguese fans.