1980–81 S.L. Benfica season with four more wins, including a home win against Porto, which widened their difference to four points. Meanwhile, in Europe, Benfica defeated Fortuna Düsseldorf in quarter-finals but was knocked-out by Carl Zeiss Jena in the semis. The final two months of the Primeira Divisão saw Benfica drop points with Académico de Viseu, Vitória de Guimarães and Sporting, reducing their lead to two points. On match-day 29, a home win against Setúbal secured their 24th league title. They concluded the season by winning their 17th Taça de Portugal in a 3–1 win against Porto. In the previous season, Mário Wilson failed
1978–79 S.L. Benfica season Máritimo and was now two points behind Porto, but still with one game less. After winning the game in hand, Benfica matched Porto again at the front, but let them slip again after dropping points in the following game. A visit to Varzim, where they drew 1–1. Benfica responded with several consecutive wins, including one in Estádio de Alvalade, with a goal from João Alves. As Benfica entered June, they were still neck and neck with Porto, but with a disadvantage in the head-to-head. In second-to-last match-day, Benfica dropped points in Aveiro in a 0–0 draw with Beira-Mar and practically