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.
1992–93 S.L. Benfica season in a replay match in Lisbon, which Benfica won 2–0 with goals from Isaías and Sergei Yuran. Over the following months, Benfica had their best period of the season. Nonetheless, March was a difficult month as the team marginally defeated Sporting CP at home after dropping points in the title race against Farense, and were knocked out of the UEFA Cup by Roberto Baggio's and Gianluca Vialli's Juventus. In early April, Benfica closed the gap to leaders Porto to one point, after a hard-fought away win against Boavista. Ahead of the "Clássico" on 17 April, Porto and Benfica were tied