The 2011-12 campaign was a season of spectacular highs and agonizing heartbreak for Benfica as Os Encarnados, under manager Jorge Jesus, came tantalizingly close to the Primeira Liga title, ultimately finishing 2nd after losing a decisive lead to rivals Porto. Leading the attack was the talismanic Óscar Cardozo, whose 20 league goals saw him finish as the league's joint top scorer. Despite the league disappointment, the team secured silverware by clinching their fourth consecutive Taça da Liga and made a memorable run to the UEFA Champions League Quarter-finals, marking a definitive chapter in the club's European history.