Benfica will look to restore their five-point lead on Monday evening as they travel to Vitória Guimarães in the final Round 19 match in Portugal.
Benfica’s superb run of eleven straight wins came to an end in the sub-zero temperatures of Russia against Zenit St. Petersburg last Wednesday, but coach Jorge Jesus says it is simply a matter of licking their wounds and getting straight back on a winning run.
“The time between the two games (Zenit and Guimarães) is essential to recover properly, and from that point of view there is no problem. We are coming off a defeat, but it was a defeat that gives us confidence of making progress in the Champions League,” said Jesus.
“Now we must focus on Guimarães. This is one of the most difficult opponents we are going to face until the end of the championship. Guimarães are always strong, especially in their own stadium.”
Jesus does not believe the fact FC Porto won their game on Sunday evening puts extra pressure on Benfica. “Benfica play under pressure game after game. Our responsibility is to play to win, no matter what the points difference is between us and our rivals.”
Benfica will give late fitness tests to midfielder Javi Garcia and striker Rodrigo.
The hosts have been boosted by the return to the squad of playmaker and former Benfica midfielder Nuno Assis, who has missed the last two matches with a muscle strain.
Guimarães coach Rui Vitória is under no illusions as to the size of the task. “Benfica have the best team in the championship,” said the manager. “But we have our weapons. In our last seven games we have won seven and drawn one,” added Vitória.
Kick-off at 8.15 pm local time on Monday at the Dom Afonso Henriques.
“The time between the two games (Zenit and Guimarães) is essential to recover properly, and from that point of view there is no problem. We are coming off a defeat, but it was a defeat that gives us confidence of making progress in the Champions League,” said Jesus.
“Now we must focus on Guimarães. This is one of the most difficult opponents we are going to face until the end of the championship. Guimarães are always strong, especially in their own stadium.”
Jesus does not believe the fact FC Porto won their game on Sunday evening puts extra pressure on Benfica. “Benfica play under pressure game after game. Our responsibility is to play to win, no matter what the points difference is between us and our rivals.”
Benfica will give late fitness tests to midfielder Javi Garcia and striker Rodrigo.
The hosts have been boosted by the return to the squad of playmaker and former Benfica midfielder Nuno Assis, who has missed the last two matches with a muscle strain.
Guimarães coach Rui Vitória is under no illusions as to the size of the task. “Benfica have the best team in the championship,” said the manager. “But we have our weapons. In our last seven games we have won seven and drawn one,” added Vitória.
Kick-off at 8.15 pm local time on Monday at the Dom Afonso Henriques.
