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
1978–79 S.L. Benfica season first place with 16 points, one more than Porto. Benfica winning run ended on 21 January with a 1–1 draw against Porto on match-day 17. Mortimore complained of a three-meter off-side in Porto's goal. It left Porto in a lead with a game more, because Benfica's match against Académico de Viseu on 30 December had to be postponed due to stormy weather. In February, Benfica was knocked-out of the Portuguese Cup with a 2–1 loss with Braga, a defeat that Mortimore rated as fair. A week later, another defeat, now for the Primeira Divisão. Benfica lost 2–1 in Barreiros to