“We played very well": the players' reaction

Benfica debuted in the 2024/25 Champions League with a 1-2 triumph over Red Star, on matchday 1 of the league phase. At the “difficult” Rajko Mitic Stadium in Belgrade, Serbia, the result was fair for the Reds, as Di María - voted Player of the Match - Aktürkoglu and Álvaro Carreras said. 

DI MARÍA

"We're closer than ever"

"It was difficult from the moment we arrived until the day we left. At night there were fireworks to keep us awake, but we played a great match. We worked very hard for this game. We knew it would be difficult and that we might suffer at some point. We suffered towards the end, but the important thing is that we're together, closer than ever, and things are going well. [Player of the Match] I'm very happy. I've received the award, but the important thing is the team and the people who traveled to be with us. We'll try to be like this until the end of the season. We're working as before, giving everything. It's hard to explain what's changed. I think we used to shoot at goal, but the ball didn't go in, and now it does. That's the difference we have. We've played two good games, winning. We conceded goals we didn't want to, but we have to keep working to improve that as well."

AKTÜRKOGLU

"It was a difficult game, in a difficult atmosphere"

"I'm very happy because we deserved the win. It was a tough game, in a difficult environment for any team, but we deserved the win. We played very well, we defended very well. It's important to start [the Champions League campaign] with three points. Congratulations to my teammates, and thanks for the support of all the fans. Since I arrived, I've been welcomed by my teammates and all the Benfica fans. That's why I feel comfortable and, when I play, I give everything from the first minute. I'm happy, and I can show it on the pitch. It's unbelievable. [Kökcü's goal] He's a great player, a great person. When I saw the free kick, I immediately said: 'I'm going to celebrate. I'm very happy for him, it was a great goal. [Benfica fans' affection] I really like them. Thank you for your support. Come on, Benfica!"

ÁLVARO CARRERAS

"We achieved our goal"

"We knew it was going to be a tough match, but we came with the mentality of getting the three points, and we did it. [We still have the same mentality in the squad. I wish Roger Schmidt all the best, and now we're focused on what lies ahead. [Victory in a difficult terrain] As I said, we knew it was going to be a difficult stadium, with a beautiful atmosphere. We came with the mentality of getting the three points, and we're already thinking about the next game. We're continuing with our objectives, now thinking about the Liga Betclic match. We'll take it game by game. [Understanding with Aktürkoglu] Little by little, with work, we're getting to know each other better and, on the pitch, we have to keep getting to know each other. The reinforcements are doing very well. We have to keep going."