benfica began their season with the 2005 super cup, trying to win the trophy for the fourth time. on the 13 august, benfica faced vitória de setúbal at the estádio algarve, winning 1–0 with a goal from nuno gomes. it was the first win in 15 years since 1989, breaking a five-time losing streak, all against porto. koeman praised his players, saying, "we played very well. i am happy with the work i have done with my players". on 20 august, benfica began their title defence with an away game at the estádio cidade de coimbra. the home team, académica, held the score to 0–0 and won a point against benfica. after the match, koeman said benfica had struggled in coimbra. on 26 august, benfica took part in the draw for the group stage of the 2005–06 uefa champions league; their first in the new century because they failed to qualify in the past two seasons. in 2005 the club ranked 57th in the uefa coefficient, thus placing them on pot 4. they were drawn in group d with manchester united, villarreal and lille. the following day, benfica hosted gil vicente for their final match in august. an unusual 3–4–3 formation did not work as planned; benfica lost 2–0 and posted their worst league start since 1976–77. koeman blamed anxiety in the players after simão missed a penalty.