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.
1981–82 S.L. Benfica season 4–1 loss, now for Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira with Porto and lost the trophy. On 17 January, Benfica lost in Bessa with Boavista, finishing the first half of the league with 21 points, four behind leaders Sporting. A week later, Benfica beat Porto at home by 3–1, only to close the month with an away draw with Portimonense. The gap was now at five points. In February, another loss, 1–0 with Vitória de Guimarães, with Sporting increasing their lead to seven points. In the opening match-day of March, Benfica drops more points in an away draw with Estoril Praia, but