1973–74 S.L. Benfica season go. Four days later, Carnation Revolution occurred, bringing the country back to democracy. In May, in the last three matches with both teams separated by a point, Sporting won the title on 20 May after defeating Barreirense, while Benfica drew with Setúbal. Benfica finished with two points less, 47 to 49. On 2 June, Benfica secured their presence in the Taça de Portugal Final after a 3–0 win against Porto on Estádio das Antas. Seven days later, Benfica met Sporting in the Final. A goal from Nené gave Benfica the lead which lasted until the 88th minute, when Sporting levelled.
1990–91 S.L. Benfica season attentions were pointed on the league title. A strong campaign witnessed Benfica overtake Porto in February and then close the title with an away win in the Clássico, a controversial match because of the tactics employed by Porto to destabilize the team. On late May, Benfica secured their 29th league title, while Rui Águas won the Bola de Prata for league top-scorer. Benfica started the new season after having lost their fifth European Cup Final in the past season, while Porto regained the league title back. Swedish manager Sven-Göran Eriksson made some squad adjustments, releasing established players like Fernando Chalana,