7 December 2006, by Marco Pereira

Manchester United 3-1 Benfica

Benfica match reaction

Fernando Santos, Benfica coach:

“In the second half, Manchester United ended up being much stronger. The goal they scored in the final seconds of the first half drastically changed the game. We had started to dictate the game, we were very organised, always in control of the situation and we were good defensively.”

“Nuno Gomes could have made it 2-0 in one or two situations. In the last five minutes of the first half, we ended up defending too deeply and then that free kick appeared which resulted in the goal. The equaliser changed everything.”

“We were good up until the last four or five minutes of the first half, when we lost control of the ball and permitted Manchester to create pressure in a way they should not have been able to.”

Nuno Gomes, Benfica striker:

“The goal Manchester scored before the break was decisive. The last five to ten minutes of the first half determined the outcome. In the second half we didn’t manage to play the same football we did in the first half.”

“Nelson’s goal was a huge goal as we were looking for the win. It was a moment of great inspiration and, no doubt, gave us hope. I thought that we would manage to advance to the next stage, but the equalising goal betrayed our confidence.”

Quim, Benfica goalkeeper:

“The end of the first half was the key to the game. In the last five minutes we recoiled and they had the luck to score a goal. Our first half was very good, but we did not manage to do the same in the second half.”

“There is a great feeling of frustration for having been eliminated. However, we dignified the Benfica shirt. Now we will think about the UEFA Cup, the championship and the Portuguese Cup. The philosophy remains the same as we have had until now: think about our next opponents, game by game.”

Manchester United 3-1 Benfica - Match Report