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.
1974–75 S.L. Benfica season first but drew the others. First with Sporting on the 22, for the Derby de Lisboa, and then on the 29, with União de Tomar. Benfica lapped the first half of the season in second place with three points less than leaders Porto. In January, Benfica won their opening match, while Porto lost theirs, reducing the gap between them to a point. Two weeks later, Benfica defeated Olhanense on the road and Porto lost in Alvalade, with the teams exchanging places. Benfica now led by a point over Porto. In the last match of the month, Benfica defeated Leixões at