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.
1977–78 S.L. Benfica season they had done before, Benfica reacted and won two more matches, one them in Bonfim, where Bento was sent-off. This allowed them to reduce Porto's lead to a point, after their rivals had slipped. This made the visit to Estádio das Antas on 28 May, a title defining match. On that day, Benfica scored first on the 3rd minute with Porto levelling it on the 83rd minute, thus keeping them at the front. From the match, Toni said "It was the divine providence that saved Porto". In the second-to-last match, Porto drew away and Benfica won, which tied both teams