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
1980–81 S.L. Benfica season in a row, including a home win against Porto on 14 March in the Clássico, which gave them a four-point lead with seven matches to go. At the same time, in the Cup Winners' Cup, Benfica beat Fortuna Düsseldorf at home, after a 2–2 away draw, qualifying for the semi-final. March closed with another draw, now with Académico de Viseu, removing a point from their lead over Porto. On 8 April, Benfica met Carl Zeiss Jena for the first leg of the semi-finals, losing 2–0. Four days later, they drew with Vitória de Guimarães, and saw his lead drop to