Derby with Sporting? Benfica star: Even as champions, we want... | OneFootball

Ivan Baptista once again highlighted the work Benfica’s squad has been doing since the start of the season. Previewing the match against Sporting, the Benfica coach, who was involved in an unusual moment during the hexachampionship celebrations, also had words of praise for his eternal rival ahead of the derby at the Estádio da Luz.

"We have been a dominant team from the start. We played the final pre-season game perfectly, we went to Atlético de Madrid’s ground and dominated the match. The results show that, but what I saw and what we felt from the team was great confidence in the process. New coach, new coaching staff, new ideas, and the players also needed their time to adapt," Ivan Baptista said at the press conference.

"Sporting have different dynamics from the game we played at Alvalade. We are expecting a team very much in the image of what they have been in recent matches, but different from that first game at Alvalade. Above all, I expect a good match, two teams that compete well, two teams with squads full of quality," the Benfica coach said ahead of the derby.

"Even though we are already champions, we want to celebrate with the fans. We want to win and be able to celebrate together. It is an incredible feeling to be able to do that in the stadium. I hope it will be a good night," said the Benfica player, one of the most influential figures of the red-and-white season, who joined the coach for the preview.

"We need to make better use of our chances. I think we need to do a little more, run a little more and perhaps be a little smarter," warned Anna Gasper, issuing a warning ahead of the match against the Lionesses. It should be remembered that the derby is scheduled for this Friday, May 1, at 7:00 pm, at the Estádio da Luz.

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