Internationally, Costa Pereira won two consecutive European Cup with Benfica in 1961 and 1962, and lost two finals in 1963 and 1965. In the latter, against Inter Milan at the San Siro, a Jair late attempt into the first half slid under his body and entered the net, for the game's only goal – he was also injured shortly after, and had to be replaced by field player Germano since replacements were not allowed, and Benfica played more than 30 minutes with ten players.