Sporting’s futsal coach Nuno Dias believes the Lions can overturn their deficit and defeat Benfica “by some margin” in the second leg of the Champions League quarter-finals.
“We have to believe it is possible, otherwise it would not be worth playing on Friday. We will work to improve some things, based on what the opponent did in the first leg, understand what characteristics this match might have, how we can make the most of it, and have a packed arena push us towards the numbers we need, which is winning by two goals. We have won by some margin on several occasions before and we believe we can do it again,” he told journalists.
The Lions head into the match at their home Pavilhão João Rocha at a disadvantage, following the 4-3 defeat at Benfica’s ground — a result Nuno Dias again described as unjust, given the greater number of clear goalscoring chances Sporting had.
Read more about this topic: Futsal: Benfica beat Sporting in the Champions League and take advantage into the second leg (with video)
“In the first game, we were ahead three times and could have at least held on for a draw, but we conceded a goal through our own fault. We have already analysed it and understand what we can still improve and adjust. We conceded a goal right at the death — we know it was not normal, given the way it happened — and we are preparing this week to rectify some things,” Nuno Dias promised.
The coach dismissed the idea that playing in the Champions League might weigh on the players’ subconscious, in a match between two sides who know each other very well, and for which he has Taynan injured and Zicky under his usual physical management.
“Since the season started, Zicky must have played around 80 or 90 minutes. His management has to be careful. There is a reason he did not take part in the European Championship. Within the limitations, we will see how much he can help us. I believe that in the minutes we are able to benefit from Zicky’s quality, he will be there to help us,” said the 53-year-old Sporting coach.
Sporting and Benfica meet in the second leg of the futsal Champions League quarter-finals on Friday at 20:00 at Pavilhão João Rocha in Lisbon.
