The 2000-01 campaign was a season of agonizing near-misses and cup glory for Porto as Os Dragões finished a single point behind local rivals Boavista to take 2nd place in the Primeira Liga. New Brazilian signing Pena had a sensational debut season, proving his worth by firing in a league-leading 22 goals to claim the coveted Bola de Prata (Top Scorer). Despite falling short in the title race and exiting the Champions League in the qualifying rounds, the side, featuring talents like Deco and captain Jorge Costa, still secured major silverware by winning the Taça de Portugal and mounting a strong run to the UEFA Cup Quarter-finals.