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
2008–09 S.L. Benfica season the game between Porto and Sporting, Benfica finished February with 40 points, two fewer than Porto. March was less busy than February, with only three matches. Benfica's first was at the Municipal José Bento Pessoa against Naval. The club took the lead with a third-minute goal from Aimar. Naval evened the score at the start of the second half with a goal by Marcelinho, but Katsouranis scored Benfica's second goal. Miguel Vítor, who assisted the goal, told the media that Benfica wanted to keep winning in case Porto slipped. On 14 March, the club hosted Vitória de Guimarães in their