Otamendi understands Benfica fans’ boos: They’ve every right | OneFootball

Nicolás Otamendi was the face of the red disappointment after the tough defeat in the Benfica - Qarabag match, counting for the first round of the Champions League group stage. The Eagles had a 2-0 lead in the first half but ended up suffering a comeback.

"The truth is, yes, it's a result that hurts. We each have to self-criticize, on what we need to improve. It's time to be rational. This is how the season starts, it's a long road. In the first round, no one said we would advance to the next stage. We have to face it, look ahead. And apologize to the fans, who buy the ticket and come to support the team. Things didn't go well," began the captain of Benfica.

Otamendi continued: "As I say, individually we have to improve. If we're winning 2-0 and concede from a set piece, it hurts, I think we have to keep pushing forward, work even harder because the season has just started. The games here at home have to be hell for the opponent and we have to improve."

"The fans have every right, they come to see the team play well, to win. We have to work during the week to put on a show and win. Here it's a team, a squad, when we win, we all win, when we lose, we have to self-criticize," he concluded when asked if the group of players stood by Bruno Lage after the defeat.

Benfica thus starts its campaign in the main stage of the 2025/26 Champions League in the worst way. The Eagles were in control of the operations, with a 2-0 lead before halftime, but ended up suffering a tough comeback by conceding three consecutive goals.

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