1977–78 S.L. Benfica season by Porto. The decisive Clássico in May, Porto secured a 1–1 draw after trailing most of the game, putting them on the course to win the league. Two weeks later, an unbeaten Benfica came second to Porto due to a 15 goal-average deficit. Benfica started the new season as three time Champion for the second time in the decade. In the transfer window, Benfica brought back Humberto Coelho and others like Celso Pita. Departing players included Nelinho, Artur Correia and Carlos Alhinho. One of biggest sagas of the transfer window was the return of Rui Jordão to Portugal, which Benfica
1996–97 S.L. Benfica season while the results in Europe were looking accordingly. In late October, Benfica visited Sporting for the Derby de Lisboa, losing one-nil and dropping down one position. A week later, with a further two more points dropped, Porto opened a three-point gap at the front. By the time the Clássico arrived, the distance was already five points. Losing 1–2 to Porto, increased it to eight. Affected by the defeat, Benfica lost for a second time on a row, with the priority changing from battling Porto in the title race, to defending the second place from Sporting. Autuori was sacked immediately, and