Álvaro Magalhães: FC Porto ready to win league and Portuguese Cup | OneFootball

The former Benfica defender Álvaro Magalhães considered that the psychological superiority and better competitive form favor FC Porto in the Portuguese Cup quarter-final classic against Benfica.

In statements to the Lusa agency, the former international highlighted the importance of the Portuguese Cup in organizing the seasons of the main clubs, emphasizing that it is the last major internal decision of the season.

“The championship is always the primary goal, but the Portuguese Cup is fundamental. Often, when the championship is lost and the Cup is won, the final image ends up being different,” he explained.

For Álvaro Magalhães, in this context, a FC Porto-Benfica match acquires its own characteristics, regardless of the competition, and he reminded that “these are two clubs that always fight to win the championship and the Cup,” highlighting the importance of mental preparation before a classic.

“Football is played a lot in the head. The psychological part is fundamental. There are many players with great technical and physical quality who cannot succeed in big teams because they are not mentally strong,” he argued, adding that “those who are psychologically weak have no chance” in clubs like Benfica or FC Porto.

The former defender recalled that, in his time, preparation for these matches began at the start of the week, but without excessive dramatics.

“It was about working well, resting well, studying the opponent, and moving forward. Nervousness cannot exist when wearing a jersey like Benfica's or Porto's. Personality is needed,” he stressed.

Álvaro Magalhães, who played for Benfica between 1981/82 and 1989/90, also pointed out the impact of the stadium atmosphere, considering it a decisive factor and an integral part of the challenge.

“What comes from outside to inside is very important. Playing at Luz or Dragão always has enormous pressure, but it is a healthy pressure. It’s enjoyable to play like that,” he said.

Comparing generations, the former international stated that, in some aspects, the pressure was even more intense in the past: “We played with up to 120,000 people. Whoever can handle that can handle anything. That pressure is part of a player's success in a big team.”

Regarding Wednesday's classic, Álvaro Magalhães acknowledged that the moment favors the dragons, justifying that “FC Porto is better, leads the championship, plays better, and is stronger physically” and that “they are prepared to win the championship and the Portuguese Cup.”

Nevertheless, he warned about the unpredictability of these matches, admitting that external influences can be decisive because “often, the team that is not doing well ends up winning. The luck factor is very important in classics.”

Regarding the absence of Benfica captain Nicolás Otamendi, Álvaro Magalhães recognized a negative impact: “He is the leader, the captain, an experienced player in great form. His absence is a loss for Benfica, especially in a game of this magnitude.”

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