Diniyar Bilyaletdinov tells Spartak Moscow to remain optimistic over their chances to make a forward step in the UEFA Champions League despite suffering defeat against Benfica
Spartak Moscow midfielder, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/SL-Benfica-c40542 at Stadio da Luz on
Wednesday.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Oscar-c28720 Cardozo compiled a brace in the European fixture. However, the Portuguese attacker missed a chance to complete his hat-trick after flashing his shot wide from the penalty-spot.
The Red-Whites recorded their third defeat in the continental tournament, having already dropped points in the opening two group stage games against http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/FC-Barcelona-c39078 and Celtic CF respectively.
The former Everton player, who returned to the Russia after leaving Goodison Park in January, remained optimistic over his side’s chances to make it to the later stages of the tournament despite losing vital three points against
the Portuguese outfit.
The Spartachi have now been dropped down to the bottom spot on their respective group table with just three points while they remain six points clear from the top of the group table.
However, the Moscow-based club still have a chance to qualify to the next stage of the tournament if they win the remaining two group stage matches against Barcelona and Celtic respectively.
“In the first half, we succeeded in stopping the opposition and we even started the second half well by carrying a good attack. But we failed to score and Benfica took advantage of the situation. Unfortunately, we lost some valuable
points but we will to fight hard until our last game.”
“I would not say that we had serious problems but we lacked the necessary level to score at least one goal. Benfica remained an offensive threat the entire match. Our defence collapsed after the front line failed to score.” The
Russian Cup winner was quoted as saying.
Commenting on Celtic’s 2-1 win against Barcelona, Bilyaletdinov urged his side to follow in the footsteps of the Scottish team to claim all three points against the Catalans when they host them later this month.
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