Rui Vitória: “We have shown a strength that must be praised”

At the end of the derby of Matchweek 16 of Liga NOS, which ended with a 1-all draw at Estádio da Luz, Rui Vitória analyzed the match and the result talking about a tremendous injustice for Benfica. Even so, according to the coach, there were good signs that leave good prospects for the rest of the league.

“The analysis I make is that the result is extremely unfair, for the way the match unfolded, for our performance. We did not deserve this! We did a great match, the team always went looking for the goal, which unfortunately did not happen. Sporting had few attacking plays. We were much stronger. We were very strong in the second half. What I want to say is: we did not win the match, but the strength we have shown against a direct opponent is a very positive sign of the work we have been doing and of what the players did on the pitch. We had a lot of strength”, he stated.

The draw leaves Benfica five points behind the leader, but the performance was once again praised by the Eagles' coach in the press conference.

“The result is what it is and no one will look at the performance. We did a great match, a performance with a lot of quality against a direct opponent and we have shown a strength that must be praised because the players deserve that. If at certain moments people said, and maybe rightly, that we did not perform so well, now I doubt that there is anyone that can say that. The result is unfair. We played against a good team, but we were better”, he said.

Text: Marco Rebelo

Pics: Isabel Cutileiro, João Paulo Trindade e Tânia Paulo / SL Benfica