The Cup final was just one continuation of the championship clash – Benfica vs FC Porto – and Benfica triumphed again 3-1.
Standing form left: Gabriel, Teixeira, Walsh, Freitas, Simões, Rodolfo, Fonseca.
First row: Duda, Frasco, Albertino, Sousa.
Twice second –rather disappointing for FC Porto, but that was the reality at the moment.
Benfica reigned supreme – 24 titles and 17 Cups, one of the best records in the world. The Hungarian Lajos Baroti obviously made a good job, but he had the starriest squad in his hands. Benfica had a big advantage, compared to any Portuguese club, including FC Porto – money. They had no difficulty recruiting and keeping the top players. Some getting old by no stars – Nene, Toni, Humberto, Alhinho, Piertra, some at their peak – Alves, Bento, Sheu, and young stars approaching their best – Chalana, Bastos Lopes, Veloso, Carlos Manuel, Diamantino. What was perhaps misleading was that having the best players of the country did not automatically made truly formidable team – Benfica kept domestic superiority, but lost its international leading position about 10 years ago and mere accumulation of top local players was not going to restore international fame. FC Porto, unable yet to compete with Benfica at the market, was forced to another way: to build a team, and the club was doing just that. Still, Benfica was prevailing at home.