Roger Schmidt: "We played a fantastic game, it was special"

PRESS CONFERENCE

It was with a great display that Benfica beat Juventus (4-3), on matchday 5 of group H of the Champions League. In a Estádio da Luz celebrating its 19th anniversary, with the Benfiquista Family catapulting the team, the eagles sealed their passport to the last 16 of the competition

FULL STADIUM AND GOOD FOOTBALL

"I am very happy! We played a fantastic game. With ball possession -, running after the ball, we created chances, we scored beautiful goals. We played against Juventus, not an easy opponent, yet we believed in ourselves, and showed great soccer. This team has so much quality, tactical intelligence, so much mentality and spirit. It was the fifth match of the Champions League, against Juventus, a great team, in our full stadium, and we have already qualified for the round of 16... it was special! I am very happy with what the players have done on the pitch and very happy with what the fans have done in the stands. It was a great day for Benfica."

TRIUMPH WITH MERIT

[Last 15 minutes and the lead reduced to 4-3] "It was football! It's part of it! Sometimes the moment can change. We could have scored the fifth or sixth goal, kept the game flowing, and managed to have Juventus always away from our goal.... We failed to do so and then we had to focus and keep the lead until the end. We played 75 minutes at the highest level, so we deserved to win!" 

RAFA: A TOP AND HAPPY PLAYER!

"Feeling like this, he is a top player! He had a fantastic game! Not only for the goals but for the fact that he was always connected to his teammates, playing for the team, and working hard. He has everything necessary to be at the highest level. If he scores goals like that... it's a sign that he's happy! I really enjoy working with Rafa and he likes to play in this position because he has more freedom, and it is very difficult for opponents to stop him."

JOÃO MÁRIO IS A KEY PLAYER

"I can't judge the past very well. João Mário is a high-level player, he can and knows how to do everything. He is very good with the ball and very good without the ball, works hard, and runs a lot. He is a leader, experienced! From day one, it was clear to me, João Mário is a key player."

AURSNES: A GOOD DECISION

"Aursnes is a very flexible player, he can play in the center, midfield or a little further forward. He has adapted well in recent games to this position and played a fantastic game today. He runs a lot, works hard, and presses... David Neres wasn't ready to play the 90 minutes, that's why I decided to start the game with Aursnes. He showed that I made a good decision."