Lima: “I scored many times against FC Porto, but it was perfect with Benfica”

Three years ago, on December 14th: Lima scored twice, a goal in each half (36’ and 55’), and decided the Benfica's victory over FC Porto (0-2).

That FC Porto-Benfica decided by Lima with two goals was the perfect match, was it the "clássico" of your career? 

It was, no doubt, one of the most important matches. I remember when I was playing at Belenenses, I noticed that Benfica had difficulties when playing against FC Porto, at their home. It's obvious that, by that time, I was not even imagining that I would play for Benfica. A few years later, being on the field, playing a " clássico" with this dimension was significant, even more when scoring goals. To be honest, I've always scored at Dragão, with Belenenses [1], Braga [3], but with Benfica [3] it was different, as Benfica is a club which fights for the national championship. It was very good, it touched me a lot, I remember it until now, with such a joy", said Lima.

All the matches are faced with professionalism, but the "clássico" is a little more special, approached with top responsibility, because the supporters always want to win. And when we win these kind of games they become even more satisfied.  It was and it is a war on the field: when things go well the happiness is tremendous.

Being Benfica the visitors, its supporters will be less. Even so, does the support touch the players?

They touch the players, yes. Talking about the "clássico" that we won 2-0 at FC Porto's stadium, I remember that our supporters were in the last ring, up there. On previous occasions, they were closer to the pitch, next the goal, we were able to see the confidence on their faces and the demonstration of support. That always motivates us in order to give the life for the victory". 

Which is the impact that Friday’s match, on December 1^st, can bring to the current Liga NOS, when the three top clubs are so next to each other?

It's true that, in spite of having been in Matchday 13, with almost half of the championship done, that victory allowed us to open a good advantage over Porto. In what concerns to motivation and confidence for the rest of the season, the result of this match is always important.

To win at the house of a direct opponent always brings an extra motivation.

With only three points separating Benfica and FC Porto (with Sporting close too), what can we expect from this clash?

I wanted to be there and to score for Benfica to win once more.  I'm just playing... [laughs]. It's going to be a very important match for Benfica, I'll be here, supporting. I hope the players to be very motivated. We got to forget the Champions League and focus on this match. 

Any message to your former teammates?

I'm going to send a message to Luisão and to other teammates. I'm delivering a message of strength to all of them".

Text: João Sanches

Pics: Archive SL Benfica