FC Porto the 1955–56 Primeira Divisão on head-to-head advantage over runners-up Benfica. Later that season, Porto beat Torreense to win its first Taça de Portugal and achieve its first double. As the Portuguese league winner, Porto made its debut in European competitions by qualifying for the 1956–57 European Cup. The club's first participation was short-lived, ending in the preliminary round with two defeats against Spanish champions Athletic Bilbao. A year later, Porto lifted its second Taça de Portugal by beating Benfica 1–0 in the final. The two clubs met again in the following season's final, but this time Benfica took the trophy
2001–02 S.L. Benfica season hosted Braga with Jankauskas, Simão and Sokota all sidelined by injuries. Without any firepower, the team took a 1–1 draw, allowing Porto to catch up in the league race. Benfica opened April in Azores against Santa Clara on the 6th. Lacking attacking options, the team was unable to score and ended with a goalless draw; they remained ahead of Porto only with the goal difference. On 14 April, Benfica received Paços de Ferreira at home. With two goals in the first half and another two in the second, the team won 4–0 and remained in third. A week later, Benfica