1970–71 S.L. Benfica season season. They sat in fourth place with a six-point deficit to Sporting. In the second part of the campaign, Benfica regained four points in two match-days, which included a 5–1 win over them. By January, Benfica closed the gap to one point, but a 4–0 loss against Porto stopped them. After a slow February; in March, Benfica caught Sporting at the front and in April, overtook them, after they lost to Porto. On 25 April, Benfica confirmed their 18th league title with Artur Jorge as Bola de Prata. Benfica concluded the season with Taça de Portugal Final, losing it to
1978–79 S.L. Benfica season Máritimo and was now two points behind Porto, but still with one game less. After winning the game in hand, Benfica matched Porto again at the front, but let them slip again after dropping points in the following game. A visit to Varzim, where they drew 1–1. Benfica responded with several consecutive wins, including one in Estádio de Alvalade, with a goal from João Alves. As Benfica entered June, they were still neck and neck with Porto, but with a disadvantage in the head-to-head. In second-to-last match-day, Benfica dropped points in Aveiro in a 0–0 draw with Beira-Mar and practically