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.
1979–80 S.L. Benfica season 13 April, Benfica visited Estádio de Alvalade to play Sporting, losing 3–1, with the gap to the leader Porto now at six points. Wilson complained of a "skilful" referee. Out of race, Benfica closed April with a draw against Boavista, increasing to seven the difference to the leader. May started with an away win against Varzim, for the semi-finals of the Portuguese Cup. They would meet Porto in the final for the fifth time in history. On 1 June, Benfica ended the Primeira Divisão campaign with 45 points, in third place. Not since 1954 had Benfica gone so long without