Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa spoke at a press conference ahead of their Champions League play-off clash with Benfica. One thing was clear from his words: "what happened in the last game" does not change the current task - Real Madrid have one road map, and that is a big trophy.
Arbeloa did not hide the fact that he is taking the opponent very seriously. He stressed that Benfica has many players with high individual skills, and their mentality and approach to the game are likely to be as sharp as in the 4-2 win three weeks ago. He also emphasized that the Lisbon team has a leader who sets the pace of the game and brings the team into the fight. In conclusion, there is no such thing as an “easy trip”, the competition here will be tough.
The most interesting point is the topic of “revenge”. To phrases like “wounded Real” uttered by Jose Mourinho, Arbeloa responded coolly: “There is no talk of revenge”. In his opinion, the goal is not just to knock out Benfica – the main goal is to win the UEFA Champions League. The play-offs are not for revenge, but to pave your way to the next round.
Let us remind you that the first match will take place today, on the evening of February 17, at the Estadio da Luz stadium in Lisbon. The poster is very simple: Mourinho – against his former club, Arbeloa – on the same field as his coach, Benfica – trying to score another goal at home, Real Madrid – ready to turn on the “regime in important games”. Which one will work – the field will decide.
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