1970–71 S.L. Benfica season season. They sat in fourth place with a six-point deficit to Sporting. In the second part of the campaign, Benfica regained four points in two match-days, which included a 5–1 win over them. By January, Benfica closed the gap to one point, but a 4–0 loss against Porto stopped them. After a slow February; in March, Benfica caught Sporting at the front and in April, overtook them, after they lost to Porto. On 25 April, Benfica confirmed their 18th league title with Artur Jorge as Bola de Prata. Benfica concluded the season with Taça de Portugal Final, losing it 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