In 1988 Beira-Mar returned to the "Primeira Divisão" managing to remain there most of the following years and achieving a best ever sixth place overall finish in the 1990/91 top league season and also reaching the Cup final. In 1999 the club again reached the Cup final, this time defeating S.C. Campomaiorense 1–0 to win the Taça de Portugal. Beira-Mar's goal was scored by Ricardo Sousa, son of coach António Sousa, who played for the club in the 1970s. Despite winning its biggest honour to date, the team was relegated at season's end.