Benfica go into their Champions League match against Manchester United tomorrow still unbeaten this season and, according to coach Jorge Jesus, eyeing a victory that would guarantee top spot in Group C with one match to spare.
Winning the group will carry the considerable prize of ensuring that Barcelona or Real Madrid will not be possible opponents in the round of sixteen.
The Eagles more than held their own against United in Lisbon in mid September, and a record of thirteen victores and seven draws from their twenty games in 2011/12 will see Benfica march into Old Trafford far from overawed.
"A good result is a win, as we would qualify for the next phase, which was our aim at the start of the competition," said Jesus.
"We have a lot of conviction and a great belief in what we are doing. We will be put under great pressure by Manchester United, but we are confident in our work. Manchester United start favourites because they play at home."
Indeed, the English champions have not tasted defeat at home in a Champions League group match for seven years, and have been boosted by the news that star man Wayne Rooney is expected to be fit to play.
But Benfica also have a striker whose performances of late merit much respect. Spain U21 international Rodrigo has scored 5 goals in the Portuguese club's last four matches, relegating erstwhile automatic first-choice striker, Oscar Cardozo, to the substitutes' bench.
"We put in a great performance against Manchester United in the home game, and probably deserved more than a draw. I only hope Benfica show the same strength they have shown in recent games, both in the Champions League and in the championship. If we do we can get a good result at Old Trafford," said the young striker.
Kick-off at 7.45pm local time.
The Eagles more than held their own against United in Lisbon in mid September, and a record of thirteen victores and seven draws from their twenty games in 2011/12 will see Benfica march into Old Trafford far from overawed.
"A good result is a win, as we would qualify for the next phase, which was our aim at the start of the competition," said Jesus.
"We have a lot of conviction and a great belief in what we are doing. We will be put under great pressure by Manchester United, but we are confident in our work. Manchester United start favourites because they play at home."
Indeed, the English champions have not tasted defeat at home in a Champions League group match for seven years, and have been boosted by the news that star man Wayne Rooney is expected to be fit to play.
But Benfica also have a striker whose performances of late merit much respect. Spain U21 international Rodrigo has scored 5 goals in the Portuguese club's last four matches, relegating erstwhile automatic first-choice striker, Oscar Cardozo, to the substitutes' bench.
"We put in a great performance against Manchester United in the home game, and probably deserved more than a draw. I only hope Benfica show the same strength they have shown in recent games, both in the Champions League and in the championship. If we do we can get a good result at Old Trafford," said the young striker.
Kick-off at 7.45pm local time.
