15 February 2007, by Marco Pereira

Benfica 1-0 Dinamo Bucharest:
match reaction

Rui Costa, Benfica midfielder

“We suffered and fought a lot and you have to suffer to win against an organised team. We were coming off of a heavy defeat that left the team afraid to fail, and wanting to do things too quickly. We tried to better ourselves in the second half and managed to show more determination and aggression in our attack.”

“It seemed like the game against Boavista, with us attacking and attacking and the ball refusing to go into the net. It started to breed some insecurity, but we managed to continue to fight and achieve the victory. It’s a slender advantage, but we are ahead in the tie and it’s a result that pleases us.”

Luisao, Benfica central defender

“This victory was very difficult, but we expected a lot of difficulties. Dinamo are a team with a lot of potential. The first half has passed; we will now focus on the championship, afterwards the second half will come.”

“Our objective was to win, and preferably not to suffer any goals. Of course, all of us always want to win by two or three goals, but you can’t think like this. As a result, our first aim was achieved.”

Fernando Santos, Benfica coach

“We know the second leg will be difficult, but we can also attain victory in Bucharest. The result is positive at the interval of the tie. The ball didn’t want to go in the net again. The fans want the team to constantly attack, but we cannot lose our focus.”

“We had various opportunities, and fortunately near the end we scored. My players were cold-blooded, and were just victors. Dinamo are a cunning team who like to deceive their opponents.”

Mircea Rednic, Dinamo Bucharest coach

“We controlled the game in the first half and the opportunities for Benfica appeared as a consequence of Dinamo’s errors. In the second half Benfica applied more pressure and pushed us back. The most frustrating thing was that the goal appeared on 89 minutes, but it’s the first leg of two and in Bucharest we will play better and attack more.”

“I believe the result is fair for the opportunities created by Benfica. Qualification to the next round will be decided in Bucharest.”

Benfica 1-0 Dinamo Bucharest - match report