The clash between new and old was seen in the Cup tournament: declining Benfica did not reach the final. Still unripe FC Porto was not present either. Sporting Lisbon and Boavista Porto, the smaller version of the Lisbon-Porto rivalry, contested the cup. Technically, Sporting appeared much better – Boavista had no famous players at all. But those were good years for previously unsuccessful club – Boavista excelled precisely in the cup in the previous few years.
Still, Sporting, lead by Jordao was favoured… the opposition fought bravely, though, and the final ended undecided after extra-time: 1-1. In the replay Boavista scored a goal and Sporting did not.
New-old Cup winners. Third cup in the last 5 years – and third trophy in the club’s history too. Modest Boavista was establishing itself as one of the few Portuguese clubs with trophies – one of the most successful in the country, yet, without becoming really strong club. Historically, a great period for the club, if not the greatest. No stars here, of course – perhaps the best players were the Brazilian imports Jorge Gomes (b. 1954) and Salvador (b. 1949). Brave little club – lovely because of that, not to mention their checkered black and white jerseys. Check-mate!