Mário Branco on Benfica’s draw: We want to be there | OneFootball

Mário Branco has already spoken out about the draw. Present at the event organized by UEFA, the General Director of Benfica commented on the fact that the Eagles will once again face Real Madrid, emphasizing that the focus is on eliminating the Spaniards and reaching the round of 16 of the prestigious competition.

"Regardless of whether it’s Real Madrid or Inter, we knew it was going to be a very tough draw. Real Madrid is a fantastic team, they are the Champions League masters, but for us now it’s a different situation; one thing was that previous scenario, another is a knockout round, with home and away matches," the Benfica official began by saying.

"We saw on Wednesday that for Benfica nothing is impossible, it’s a club used to magical nights, we’ll try once again and we want to be in the round of 16. Real Madrid is always Real Madrid, there are no good or bad moments to face them, Benfica and Real are European and Champions League giants," added Mário Branco.

"We handled the timing of the game well; when the other matches ended we needed a goal, it was important not to concede the 3-3 and then, with a bit of luck, we made it 4-2. Mourinho understands the Champions League like few others, we want to be in the round of 16 with Manchester City or Sporting," he concluded, regarding possible opponents.

It’s worth remembering that Real Madrid will be Benfica’s next obstacle, in what will be a rematch of the match that took place last Wednesday, January 28. The first leg, which will take place at Estádio da Luz, is scheduled for February 17 or 18. The second leg of the playoff, at the Santiago Bernabéu, will happen a week later, on the 24th or 25th of the same month.

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