“If we stay focused on ourselves, we can make it 2-0” | OneFootball

After the 7-1 thrashing at Dragão Arena, the European Champions know they are just one win away from securing a place in the championship play-off semi-finals. To do so, they will have to beat UD Oliveirense again on Wednesday at 9pm, live on Porto Canal, this time at the Dr. Salvador Machado Pavilion in Oliveira de Azeméis. Aware that they are up against “a very difficult rival” who are stronger “at home,” Pol Manrubia called on the Porto squad to stay focused in order to maintain “good momentum.” “If we play our game and take the match our way, we have a good chance of winning and wrapping up the tie,” the Spaniard stressed. Ticket information is available here.

The emphatic win in Game 1“First of all, we are going to face a very difficult opponent, just as we did in the first game. I think we were very good in that match and managed to get a wide-margin result, which gives us confidence for what lies ahead, but we know the quality UD Oliveirense have, and winning the first game by more or fewer goals means nothing. We are in the play-offs, we are ahead in the tie, and the game starts at 0-0, so we have to try to seal qualification for the semi-finals.”

Playing away is always harder“Playing in Oliveira de Azeméis is always complicated. They have a great team and we know the quality they have. They are stronger at home, just like we are, but I believe that if we play our game and take the match our way, we have a good chance of winning and closing out the tie. If we stay focused on ourselves, we can make it 2-0 and reach the semi-finals.”

Extending the good run“We are working very well and have built up very positive momentum, also thanks to winning the Champions League, which is always a historic achievement. We are in a good moment, but that does not mean we cannot lose at some point. The important thing is that the team is united and cohesive, which makes things easier. We work every day and take it game by game. We want to keep going in this direction.”

Taking to the stage on Avenida dos Aliados“It was incredible. What we experienced is impossible to describe. Very few people get to live this, to feel what Porto is. It was a celebration of incredible magnitude. We celebrated a lot and were very happy, but now we are already focused on the league.”

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