Chiquinho scored in his first official game for Benfica, a 2–2 away draw against FC Porto on 24 August 1986. He won the double in his first season, going on to appear in 80 competitive matches during his two-year spell and net 21 goals. Additionally, he competed with the former side in the 1987–88 European Cup, playing the full 120 minutes in the final, a penalty shootout loss to PSV Eindhoven.