No one expected this! Schmidt surprises and ‘pulls’ a trump card for the Derby between Benfica and Sporting

At the end of the game, Rúben Amorim spoke to RTP 1, in the quick interview area, where he gave a general analysis of the game between Benfica and Sporting. Despite having emerged victorious, after the 2-2 draw, the lions’ coach pointed to the strong entry of Roger Schmidt’s class.

“Today, clearly, we were not [a equipa mais forte]. Benfica was stronger, in a difficult environment. We knew how to hold on to other things, because, in the first half, we really lacked the ball. Clearly, in the first game we were superior, and the advantage was slim”, said, at first, the Portuguese helmsman.

“Benfica started better, much more aggressive. We took a little time with the ball. When we don’t have a game between the lines, it becomes very difficult. When we have to defend for a long time, everything gets complicated”, he added.

“The first half was complicated, we held on to 0-0. We started well in the second half, we scored and had some good performances, but I didn’t feel that the team had the play that they usually have. We had a lot of players below their level. We have to improve for Saturday”, explained the coach of Benfica’s rival

“We wanted to go through, it was a very difficult tie, against a great team, with many players between the lines and a lot of quality. That made it very difficult. At the end of the game, when Di María stays close to midfield and just wants to attack, we , with the ball, we could have done much more. Let’s see the images and prepare for the next game”, concluded Rúben Amorim.

It is important to remember that the Benfica they tied the match 2-2, however, they were eliminated by rival Sporting, who arrived at the Catedral with a 2-1 lead, achieved in the first leg of the match, at the José Alvalade Stadium. If João Pinheiro scored the penalty in favor of the eagles, Clube da Luz would have the opportunity to equalize the semi-final of the Portugal Cup.

It is worth noting that the Reds and the Lions will meet again next Saturday, April 6th, in the 28th round of the Liga Portugal Betclic. The duel takes place at the José Alvalade Stadium and the kick-off is scheduled for 8:30 pm.