All four teams in the table are encountering difficult moments domestically, but like Lyon, Benfica put their troubles behind by recording a victory on match-day one of the competition. As they aim to qualify into the Round of 16, Schalke 04 also want to turn the tables around. In an interview with UEFA.com, Magath revealed:
“I still think that we have a good chance of achieving our ambition of reaching the next round [of the UEFA Champions League]. We lost away against the group’s favorites [Olympique Lyonnais]. But to leave the stadium with a win [on Wednesday] will considerably help our cause.
“This would give us a boost for the following match. This is why I think that the game against Benfica is the most important one.
“Of course, pressure upon us has increased after that defeat [to Lyon]. But this match [against Benfica] has to be won.”
But how will hosts Schalke 04 get in the way of their opponents on Wednesday night? Coach Felix Magath gave out the answer as he analyzed Benfica’s play, saying:
“Benfica have a great strike force which is capable of scoring away from home. That’s their strength, and that’s why we have to stop them from playing their football. We have to seize the initiative and play the game in their half.”
Let’s see how well Schalke will succeed in the UEFA Champions League tonight as Benfica aim to add more points to the three which they already have.
Don´t miss the Schalke 04 vs Benfica UEFA Champions League match!
