Benfica will look to get back on track against Académica on Saturday evening after two defeats on the bounce.
The Eagles have hit their first blip of the season with successive losses to Zenit Saint Petersburg in the Champions League and Vitória Guimarães in the Liga ZON Sagres. Just how damaging those defeats were will be known soon, as Benfica face FC Porto in the liga and Zenit in the Champions League return leg after the trip to Coimbra.
Jorge Jesus will be desperate for his team to set themselves up for that double-header with a morale-boosting win at Académica. And the flamboyant coach is not about to lose faith in his charges.
"The team is in good shape, the coach is super-confident. It would not make sense to be any other way as we are leaders in the table," said Jesus.
"Of course, it's not normal that Benfica lose. But we are as confident going into the match against Académica as we would have been if we had won in Guimarães."
The Lisbon club have been boosted by the return to the squad of key midfielder Javi García. However, the Spaniard will take a late fitness test to see if he is ready to play.
One player who will definitely miss the game is captain Luisão, who is suspended having reached five yellow cards. Brazilian centre-back Jardel will deputise.
Académica manager Pedro Emanuel has enjoyed a fine rookie year as head coach, leading the Students to the final of the Portuguese Cup. But the Coimbra-based club habe also hit a poor run of form with three draws and three defeats in their last six matches.
"We know the quality of Benfica, but we will be fighting for a positive result," said Emanuel.
Kick-off at 8.15 pm local time on Saturday night at the Estádio de Coimbra.
Jorge Jesus will be desperate for his team to set themselves up for that double-header with a morale-boosting win at Académica. And the flamboyant coach is not about to lose faith in his charges.
"The team is in good shape, the coach is super-confident. It would not make sense to be any other way as we are leaders in the table," said Jesus.
"Of course, it's not normal that Benfica lose. But we are as confident going into the match against Académica as we would have been if we had won in Guimarães."
The Lisbon club have been boosted by the return to the squad of key midfielder Javi García. However, the Spaniard will take a late fitness test to see if he is ready to play.
One player who will definitely miss the game is captain Luisão, who is suspended having reached five yellow cards. Brazilian centre-back Jardel will deputise.
Académica manager Pedro Emanuel has enjoyed a fine rookie year as head coach, leading the Students to the final of the Portuguese Cup. But the Coimbra-based club habe also hit a poor run of form with three draws and three defeats in their last six matches.
"We know the quality of Benfica, but we will be fighting for a positive result," said Emanuel.
Kick-off at 8.15 pm local time on Saturday night at the Estádio de Coimbra.
