1988–89 S.L. Benfica season did not concede and left with a draw. Porto manager Artur Jorge said that his team made Benfica look better than it was. Toni responded by saying that Benfica was as happy as Porto had been in Estádio da Luz. Five more consecutive wins and Benfica could have won the title at match-day 35, but drew two-equal with Vitória de Setúbal. A week later, Benfica beat Estrela da Amadora and confirmed their 28th league title. Vata, with only 16 goals won Bola de Prata for top scorer. Nonetheless, there was still the 1989 Taça de Portugal Final with Belenenses to
1974–75 S.L. Benfica season 1–0 and dropped to third place, two points shy of leaders Porto and Guimarães. They reacted positively to the loss and won their next four Primeira Divisão matches, retaking first place albeit shared with Porto. Both had 18 points. In Europe, Benfica qualified for the quarter-finals, after eliminating Carl Zeiss Jena in the second round. Off the field, Benfica lost Eusébio to injury, as he underwent his six operation to his left knee. On match-day 12, Benfica drew 0–0 with Oriental and dropped to second, a point from leaders Porto. In the final three matches of December, Benfica won the