Bruno Lage: Otamendi’s error makes Benfica v Santa Clara tough | OneFootball

Bruno Lage defended Nicolás Otamendi after the draw, one-all, in the Benfica - Santa Clara match. At the end of the game, and after the player's own statements, regarding the fourth matchday of the Liga Portugal Betclic, the Eagles' coach took full responsibility for the loss of points against the Azoreans.

"It was a difficult game to prepare, with the players arriving yesterday [from the national teams], but that does not invalidate the final outcome. As our captain said, we had the game under control, but it is not he who is responsible for the draw, the responsibilities are all mine for this draw. Now it's time to recover," began Bruno Lage.

"The responsibilities for this draw are all mine. We have to recover and a game already on Tuesday to win. I make a strong appeal to our fans. Keep supporting. Thank you to our fans for today's support, be here on Tuesday because we need to win a good Champions and we need them," added Bruno Lage.

"We knew that in terms of transitions they would be very fast. With Fredrik inside and Tomás open we could create other types of movements. We ended up doing the hardest, the goal. We had the game under control and all the responsibility for the draw is the coach's," concluded Bruno Lage.

Benfica will be back on the field next Tuesday, September 16, at 8:15 pm, at the Estádio da Luz, facing Qarabag. The game is part of the first matchday of the regular phase of the Champions League. In the Liga Portugal Betclic, the reds will travel to AFS's stronghold in the sixth matchday (Saturday, September 20, 6:00 pm).

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