Benfica’s coach http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Jorge-c19120 Jesus regards Braga a difficult opponent ahead of Europa League semi-final
Benfica’s coach Jorge Jesus has praised the quality of his opponents, Sporting Braga, ahead of their UEFA Europa League’s semi-final second leg. The two teams will lock heads on Thursday, May 05 at Estadio Municipal de Braga.
The 56-year-old hailed the Portuguese champions who have been immaculate this season and as a result have already been crowned champions with two matches still left to be played in the campaign. He admitted that Braga have really emerged from the darkness and now are considered as Portuguese powerhouse.
Former Uniao Leiria manager enthused that Braga won’t be an easy opponents on Thursday and despite of a 2-1 advantage from the first leg, Benfica will have their work cut out. He urged his side not to relax ahead of that all important tie and try to increase the advantage which would surely put the hosts under immense pressure.
He also added that Benfica will have to be on its toes from the word go as they will be the away team and Braga will have the advantage of the home soil. He demanded a more positive attitude from his side and encouraged them by saying that only one away goal might do it for his side.
Jesus further mentioned, “Playing in Braga is as difficult as playing at Porto or Sporting and makes the hosts part of a new four-team cartel at the Liga summit."
One concern for the Portuguese champions is the unavailability of striker http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Pablo-Aimar-c28938 who will be serving his suspension after picking up a yellow card during the first leg.
He applauded the attitude and approach adapted by both teams during the first leg and wished to see both teams playing with the same kind of temperament.
The 56-year-old concluded, "We could not be more motivated. Our best qualities are in attack so we will go for goal. I think Braga will be very well-organised at the back and will try to hit us on the break."
Benfica are the new Super Liga champions and will be fighting it out against fellow Portuguese side in order to see themselves in the final of the Europa League.
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