2000–01 S.L. Benfica season took an early lead with a Van Hooijdonk goal in the 15th minute, and added two more in the first half, one by Carlitos and another from an own goal. The Dutch striker added two more goals to his tally in the second half. On 17 January, Benfica received Porto for the first of three consecutive games against them. The first game was part of the Taça de Portugal and ended in a 1–1 draw. Maniche scored the lone Benfica goal before Maric equalized for Porto. A rematch was held to settle the tie. Four days later, on Sunday, Benfica
1999–2000 S.L. Benfica season benefited from the points-share and Benfica fell to six points behind Porto. On 12 January the club hosted Amora for the Portuguese Cup, scoring seven goals against the third-tier team. Three days later, Benfica visited Funchal and nearly lost; "Record" labelled Enke's performance as crucial for Benfica, illustrating, "In the key moment of the game, when Enke defended a penalty in the 10th minute, he saved Benfica from leaving Funchal with a defeat. In a sluggish performance, only new signings Uribe and Machairidis showed good form." On Matchday 18, Benfica hosted Rio Ave, winning their first league game in a