Benfica qualified for the Champions League by finishing second in the previous Primeira Liga.

In Jesus' third season at the helm of the club, he tried to implement a more balanced system, with Axel Witsel replacing Pablo Aimar as a more central midfielder, with Aimar pushed as to second striker role, to give more defensive support than Javier Saviola.

Nicolás Gaitán was moved to the right, with Bruno César and Nolito alternating on the left.

Rodrigo eventually gained his space in the starting eleven, replacing Aimar.

[2][3][4] This season, Benfica placed first in their UEFA Champions League group, later reaching the competition's quarter-finals, and won their fourth Taça da Liga by defeating Gil Vicente.