The 2001-02 campaign was a turbulent season of high ambition and domestic disappointment for Benfica, who began with a "dream-team" of new acquisitions including Simão Sabrosa. Os Encarnados ultimately finished a frustrating 4th in the Primeira Liga, missing out on European competition for the second consecutive year after manager Toni resigned mid-season. The campaign was defined by the emergence of the exciting young Angolan forward Mantorras, whose 13 crucial goals proved a rare spark of brilliance in a season that would ultimately be a major transitional chapter for the club.