The Portuguese national has urged Zenit St. Petersburg to win the European encounter after FC Porto win.
Zenit St. Petersburg are set to play the first UEFA Champions League leg against http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/SL-Benfica-c40542 at Petrovsky stadium, next month.
The Bomzhi defender, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/FC-Porto-c39186. He revealed that the Russian outfit is preparing hard for the upcoming European encounter and assured the
fans of ninety minutes of entertaining football.
Zenit managed to win 3-1 against the defending UEFA Europa League champions at home, and Alves believes that the St. Petersburg club have all the attributes to defeat another Primeira Liga club on the road.
Alves revealed that the Zenitchiki could become the second Russian club, after CSKA Moscow, to reach the quarter final of the Champions League and admitted that they need to work very hard to win the upcoming European home clash.
“It's hard, but we need to get in shape and we are ready to work. Zenit came here just to train. We want to attain a perfect shape as soon as possible and intensive training will help us do it quickly.” The former Portuguese Cup winner
was quoted as saying.
Currently, Zenit along with Shakhtar Donetsk and some other European clubs are involved in a Dubai-based tournament. Alves revealed that they have started practicing for the match and assured the fans of troubling the opponent.
“Dubai is a perfect place for a preseason gathering. Excellent field, sunny weather, exercise - everything just fine, could not be better.” Alves concluded.
The promising defender revealed that, during the winter break, he studied more about the Eagles and identified them as a tough team. He revealed that the Portuguese club are atop the league table and they are looking strong compared
to the last year.
“They are doing well. But I think, and Zenit can create problems for them with a strong composition. We coped well against Porto previously, so we are favourites to better Benfica now". Alves said.
Alves lamented his absence, due to an injury, against the Portuguese club previously. However, he assured the fans of a prolific defensive display this time around.
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