Bruno Lage blames Benfica’s defence for Qarabag goal: huge gap at the back | OneFootball

Bruno Lage pointed to António Silva and Dedic as the main culprits for Qarabag’s second goal, in the match that Benfica played, and lost, 3-2, in the first round of the Champions League group stage, a result that saw the Eagles start their campaign in the millionaires’ competition in the worst possible way.

"It was not the result we wanted. We started very well, a very good half hour. I feel that the goal took us out of the game a bit, and we had difficulties getting back into it. Then we conceded two goals that punished us a lot, considering the way we play and defend. It’s a result we didn’t want, on a night that was not a happy one," Bruno Lage began by explaining Bruno Lage.

He was then invited to comment on some of Benfica’s defensive errors: "What we saw were two deep passes. Space between the defense, a huge gap (between António Silva and Dedic). And then a ball in behind with the line pushing up, putting the opponent onside. But this had to do with the team’s response, more emotional, to try to win. Fatigue also played a part, running a lot. It shouldn’t have happened, but it did."

"The team has to know how to pick itself up, reflect on what happened, understand the moment we are living, on and off the pitch, and respond as quickly as possible," Bruno Lage said next, when asked about the reaction Benfica needs to have after the defeat to Qarabag.

The Eagles’ coach was also questioned about the team’s immediate future, and his own position at the club, but he refused to comment on that issue, explaining that he would only analyze the match. He then referred that answer to the press conference.

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