SL Benfica has a big chance today, to go on through, into the next Europa League phase, after the draw obtained in Berlin. Benfica returned from Germany with the same result Quique Flores players had obtained on October 2oo8, a one goal equalize. That last season game was for the Uefa Cup competition that was precisely transformed in the Europa League. One other difference is that the game disputed earlier was for the group stage, and the one occurred last Thursday was the first of a two games eliminatory.
Europa League: Hertha Berliner Sport Club von 1892 1-1 Sport Lisboa e Benfica
The reds visited Hertha BSC Berlin knowing that the German team was facing a delicate moment of the season. The last place occupied for the Berlin team in the Bundesliga confirms that, only twelve points obtained in 22 games disputed. When Angel Di Maria scored the first goal of the match when only three minutes had passed from the beginning of the game, responding well to the precious cross from Carlos Martins, many Benfica fans on the Stadium and around the world listening to the radio or watching TV believed that finally a victory would be obtained in Germany. Nevertheless, the eagles players become with some apathy and conceded a goal, an own goal from Javí Garcia, when probably not even the German players believed it. Probably because of the low temperatures the second part brought nothing relevant. Sometimes the result is more important that the exhibition...
Ángel Fabián Di María (1988/02/14)
The Argentine left winger was born in the neighbourhood of La Pedriel that belongs to the beautiful city of Rosario, in the province of Santa Fe. Angelito started playing professional football in Club Atlético Rosario Central (2oo5). There he stayed for two years and his great evolution made him sign for the reds.
Di Maria is a very fast player, who makes tremendous damage on the opponent defensives with his dribbles. He likes to be with the ball and to take it into the adversary space. Di Maria shoots easily and well but generally he contributes more to his team with his dangerous crosses into the area. Di Maria has still a lot to learn and of course to "grew up" physically and mentally but we believe that he will soon give much more to the world of football.
The Argentine left winger was born in the neighbourhood of La Pedriel that belongs to the beautiful city of Rosario, in the province of Santa Fe. Angelito started playing professional football in Club Atlético Rosario Central (2oo5). There he stayed for two years and his great evolution made him sign for the reds.
Di Maria is a very fast player, who makes tremendous damage on the opponent defensives with his dribbles. He likes to be with the ball and to take it into the adversary space. Di Maria shoots easily and well but generally he contributes more to his team with his dangerous crosses into the area. Di Maria has still a lot to learn and of course to "grew up" physically and mentally but we believe that he will soon give much more to the world of football.
Stadium Luz : Sport Lisboa e Benfica vs Hertha SC Berlin
Referee: Pieter Vink
To the Press
Jorge Jesus
"Our main objective is to win the Portuguese League." "We may be tired but of winning games." "We are in advantage in this eliminatory but we will try to score and win the game."
Friedhelm Funkel
"We know that our task is very difficult, however we believe that we can score and go into the next phase, a two goals draw will be enough."
Sport Lisboa e Benfica
Goalkeepers: Júlio César and Quim;
Defenders: Maxi Pereira, Sidnei, Luisão, David Luiz and César Peixoto;
Midfielders: Javi Garcia, Carlos Martins, Rúben Amorim, Di María, Pablo Aimar, Fábio Coentrão and F. Menezes;
Forwards: Saviola, Óscar Cardozo, Éder Luís, Alan Kardec and Nuno Gomes;
Coach: Jorge Jesus.
Well now the only chance to go on through is to win this important game at home, with our help on the stadium, or at least obtain a equalize without goals. The chance of going to the next round would be a generous offer to the "King" Eusébio. Eusébio da Silva Ferreira also known as "The Black Panther" will receive, before the game start, from the UEFA President, Michel Platini, the UEFA President’s Award. The main objective of this award is to recognize the work made by the ones who receive it, in favour of the European Football development. Michel Platini said: "It is a great privilege for me to present the UEFA President's Award to Eusébio, one of the all-time greatest goal scorers and ambassadors for the game of football. "Eusébio is a giant in our sport and the values such as self-abnegation, fair play and respect, conveyed throughout his successful career, both on and off the pitch, have made him a good example for future generations."
Jorge Jesus
"Our main objective is to win the Portuguese League." "We may be tired but of winning games." "We are in advantage in this eliminatory but we will try to score and win the game."
Friedhelm Funkel
"We know that our task is very difficult, however we believe that we can score and go into the next phase, a two goals draw will be enough."
Sport Lisboa e Benfica
Goalkeepers: Júlio César and Quim;
Defenders: Maxi Pereira, Sidnei, Luisão, David Luiz and César Peixoto;
Midfielders: Javi Garcia, Carlos Martins, Rúben Amorim, Di María, Pablo Aimar, Fábio Coentrão and F. Menezes;
Forwards: Saviola, Óscar Cardozo, Éder Luís, Alan Kardec and Nuno Gomes;
Coach: Jorge Jesus.
Well now the only chance to go on through is to win this important game at home, with our help on the stadium, or at least obtain a equalize without goals. The chance of going to the next round would be a generous offer to the "King" Eusébio. Eusébio da Silva Ferreira also known as "The Black Panther" will receive, before the game start, from the UEFA President, Michel Platini, the UEFA President’s Award. The main objective of this award is to recognize the work made by the ones who receive it, in favour of the European Football development. Michel Platini said: "It is a great privilege for me to present the UEFA President's Award to Eusébio, one of the all-time greatest goal scorers and ambassadors for the game of football. "Eusébio is a giant in our sport and the values such as self-abnegation, fair play and respect, conveyed throughout his successful career, both on and off the pitch, have made him a good example for future generations."
