Rafa: "We believed and got the win"

It was on the brink of the final whistle, at 90'+8', that Rafa scored the winner against Vizela (0-1). Crucial in the match, in the return to winning ways and in maintaining the top spot, Benfica's attacking midfielder was distinguished as "Man of the Match" on matchday 9 of the Liga Bwin.

"We achieved our goal, which was victory. After failing to win in the last game, we got back to winning ways, which was the most important thing for us. In the first half we weren't so good, but in the second half we managed to be the team we are. We believed and we got the win", claimed Rafa, in statements to Sport TV. 

With the "Man of the Match" award in his hands, Rafa thought about the group: "Our team is several players, not just the starting eleven. The changes are important and all the players who come in add value. The important thing is for the team to be well."

The Portuguese international, who in the match had a 87% pass accuracy (26 completed out of 30), one interception, on disallowed goal (82') and one goal scored, was pleased and described the "Man of the Match" award as "special. "It is a special moment because we won the match and that is the important", he stressed.