The knockout playoffs of the UEFA Champions League have concluded and with it, the draw for the Spherical of 16 of this season’s UCL marketing campaign.
After a formidable league marketing campaign that noticed them end second, within the Spherical of 16.
It’s fairly a beneficial opponent for Barcelona, who had an opportunity of going through the mighty Paris Saint-Germain within the subsequent spherical.
Nonetheless, Benfica shall be a frightening opponent nonetheless, as they’re approaching the again of a 4-3 combination win over AS Monaco.
SL Benfica coach on going through Barcelona
Reacting to the Barcelona draw, Benfica coach Bruno Lage identified how it will be important for the Eagles to have ambition if they’re to get by to the quarterfinals.
Lage additionally talked about the unlucky 5-4 loss to Barcelona earlier within the month however was fast to level out the win over Juventus within the last league match of the season.
“It was a fantastic recreation and a fantastic night time towards Barcelona. Sadly, it resulted in an unfavourable end result, however the staff was in a position to reply nicely towards Juventus,” he recalled (h/t ).
Lage added that Benfica will attempt to replicate comparable performances after they tackle Barcelona within the Spherical of 16 subsequent month.
“That’s what we’re going to attempt to do. We now have two video games towards Barcelona. We wish to give a superb response. We should have ambition to maneuver ahead.”
The Portuguese tactician additionally mentioned that Benfica shouldn’t take into consideration ‘revenge’ however relatively deal with learn how to overcome the problem posed by Barça.
Benfica are set to tackle the Catalans on March 5 within the first leg, which shall be performed at Estadio da Luz.