Norton de Matos reassures Benfica after Real Madrid setback | OneFootball

Overall, regarding the tie against Real Madrid, Luís Norton de Matos gives a positive assessment. In this Glorioso 1904 Exclusive, the former B team coach of Benfica spoke with our newspaper, where he not only discussed the two legs played against the Merengues, but also mentioned the impact of José Mourinho's absence at the Bernabéu. Additionally, he outlined what should be the Eagles’ objective for the remainder of the championship and highlighted the current importance of some of Benfica’s players.

"Benfica, both at Luz and in Madrid, started the game extremely well. And when you look at both legs, I think Benfica ended up having more goal opportunities than Real Madrid did. Ultimately, I believe José Mourinho prepared both games very well and that Benfica left a good impression in terms of play and organization. There is no moral defeat," he began, in conversation with Glorioso 1904.

Speaking about the absence of the Special One in the second leg, Luís Norton de Matos did not hide the impact: "It’s clear that the coach is always missed on the bench. Mourinho’s character and charisma are extremely important. However, this game was fully prepared by him, at least the entire tactical part. But obviously, the fact that he wasn’t present with the players may have had some influence, especially knowing that one of his strengths is precisely his communication with them," emphasized the former Benfica B team coach to Glorioso 1904.

Regarding the League, Luís Norton de Matos argues that Benfica – who once again sees Prestianni in hot water – has an obligation. "Now the mission is to give their all to achieve what they have been doing in the league, where they are still unbeaten, which is to collect points. Sporting, their closest rival, will have to deal with the extra burden caused by the Champions League round of 16 and, that being said, Benfica has to try to take advantage of that. They have this obligation and will certainly do so," stressed the 72-year-old coach, exclusively to our newspaper.

In conclusion, Glorioso 1904 asked the former Benfica B team coach about the recent impact of the academy on the first team. He gave special mention to three Benfica gems: "Both Banjaqui and José Neto, who started matches and played almost until the end, gave an excellent impression and that is very important for a player coming from the academy. Anísio, for the little he played, but for the two goals he scored, was extremely important, and in that sense, I think the three of them are currently at a level that could be solidified for the rest of the championship."

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