Ex-Benfica boss on Fenerbahçe clash: “Favourites…” | OneFootball

The match that will pit Benfica against Fenerbahçe is of utmost importance for the Eagles' ambitions. In this Glorioso 1904 Exclusive, our Journal spoke with Luís Norton de Matos, who previewed the European night, considering that there is no favorite to win.

“The championship started predictably for Benfica in terms of results. They ended up securing six points, so there's nothing negative to note in that regard. A Benfica that began the season with significant momentum, with the Super Cup win and the Champions League qualifiers. Therefore, it's a Benfica that started with determination and has delivered so far,” said the former coach of the Eagles' secondary team.

Next, Luís Norton de Matos began his analysis of the Champions League match, stating that victory is essential from an economic standpoint: “The draw in Turkey was a result that opens a good perspective for tomorrow, and I think the Champions game is crucial to confirm everything Benfica promised at the start of this season and the acquisitions that were made. It is a game that is fundamentally important both sportingly and economically for Benfica's immediate future.”

The 71-year-old coach did not attribute favoritism to either team and highlighted Mourinho's experience in European competitions: “Given that Fenerbahçe is coached by Mourinho and Mourinho is a coach very accustomed to European competitions, I wouldn't give favoritism to anyone. Fenerbahçe might present itself more organized defensively and with offensive transitions, where they are strong. Clearly, winning the game is important for both teams; the Champions League group stage is a significant financial victory for both sides.”

Finally, Luís Norton de Matos revealed that details will be essential in determining who will make it to the Champions League stage: “Fenerbahçe is a much more experienced team than Nice, and it will be the details that will decide the game. Set pieces, both offensive and defensive attentions and distractions. It seems to me that there's a point that has been highlighted, which is Benfica's situation in midfield. In the first round, they played with three more defensive midfielders, but there has been much talk that Enzo and Ríos need to deliver more, which relates to their integration and adaptation to the Club, the style of play, and what Bruno Lage wants from the players. Many factors need to align in a balanced and effective way for Benfica to advance in this knockout stage. I think either team can go through.”

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.