Sporting CP's season began on 29 August 2004 with the first game of the Primeira Liga campaign, with a 3–2 home victory over Gil Vicente.

[4][5] Aside from the Primeira Liga, Sporting CP also competed in the Taça de Portugal, where they entered the fourth round courtesy of their league position.

After claiming straightforward victories over Naval 1º de Maio and Pampilhosa, Sporting CP were eliminated by Lisbon rivals Benfica in the sixth round.

[6] Given their third-place finish in the 2003–04 season, the Leões secured a place in the first round of the 2004–05 UEFA Cup.

[9] In the final taking place at the Estádio José Alvalade, Sporting CP met Russian side CSKA Moscow.