1988–89 S.L. Benfica season did not concede and left with a draw. Porto manager Artur Jorge said that his team made Benfica look better than it was. Toni responded by saying that Benfica was as happy as Porto had been in Estádio da Luz. Five more consecutive wins and Benfica could have won the title at match-day 35, but drew two-equal with Vitória de Setúbal. A week later, Benfica beat Estrela da Amadora and confirmed their 28th league title. Vata, with only 16 goals won Bola de Prata for top scorer. Nonetheless, there was still the 1989 Taça de Portugal Final with Belenenses to
1974–75 S.L. Benfica season home, and Porto lost again, which increased Benfica's advantage to three-points, 31 to 28. However, a draw with Académica de Coimbra on 2 February, cut that lead to two points. In mid February, Benfica visited Estádio das Antas for the Clássico, defeating Porto by 3–0. Benfica had now a three-point lead over Sporting, who overtook Porto for second place. The team continued on their winning run, and on match-day 25, they added two more points in their difference over Sporting, which had lost in Bessa. However, Benfica would experienced a troubled third week of March. First they were knocked-out of