1999–2000 S.L. Benfica season "their worst performance of the season, and seeing Porto close in on the top of the table." On 4 November, Benfica hosted P.A.O.K. for the second leg of their European qualifier. They lost 2–1 in normal time, requiring extra time and a penalty shootout to decide the match. The Lisbon side converted all their shots, progressing into the next round. Four days later, the club defeated S.C. Braga by one goal in a league match to open a three-point lead. After a one-week break for the Taça de Portugal, Benfica visited Estádio das Antas for the Clássico against Porto. They
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