 Portimonense's zenith was in the 1980s, a decade in which the club only played its football in the top division, also competing in the UEFA Cup in 1985–86.They have reached the semifinals of the Taça de Portugal three times, in 1983, 1987 and 1988.Portimonense was a regular presence in the Portuguese first division, even finishing fifth in 1984–85 – highlights included 0–0 home draws against Benfica and Sporting Lisbon – which led to participation in the UEFA Cup in the 1985–86 season.