In the preview of the match between FC Barcelona and Benfica for matchday five of the Champions League, the coach of the Portuguese team, Jorge Jesús, analyzed the visit his team will have to Catalonia as an opportunity to achieve a good result that allows them to qualify for the round of 16. He also highlighted that a draw at Camp Nou would be more harmful for the team led by Xavi Hernández than for them.
"If Benfica ties they can be in advantage. It would be more negative for them than for us. We're going to win. We know that during the match we will face difficulties, but I expect a match like the one at Da Luz. Few teams in the world can beat Barza 3-0, and we are convinced that we have possibilities," he said at a press conference.
Darwin Núñez was a starter for the first time this season in Benfica's 3-0 victory against FC Barcelona. Photo: EFE
Similarly, the former Flamengo coach commented that he "does not expect a Barcelona very different from the first leg," since "Koeman and Xavi play a 4-3-3, although each coach gives it different dynamics." What he does consider is that "with Xavi's arrival, there is a favorable atmosphere, and it makes the team more confident."
You can see: Champions League: know the most important matches of matchday 5 that will be played this week
Finally, the 67-year-old coach heated up the match by pointing out that very few considered his team, and now they are one game away from fighting for qualification. "What matters to me right now is that 90 percent of the experts favored Barcelona and Bayern, and there are two matches left, and we have the opportunity to advance. It will be a final for both teams."
FC Barcelona vs. Benfica
The match between the Catalans and the Lisboners will be played this Tuesday, November 23 at Camp Nou for matchday five of the UEFA Champions League group stage. The match is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. and will be refereed by Russian Sergei Karasev.