‘We cannot be afraid’… SL Benfica representative reacts to getting Barcelona in the UCL draw | OneFootball

The UEFA Champions League is undoubtedly a competition with which Barcelona has had a complicated past. Despite winning the competition an impressive five times in their history, La Blaugrana have also had to suffer heartbreaks. However, that is exactly why Barcelona must aim to do well in it.

Even this season, it has been clear enough to see a more competitive Barça side that has done well in the Champions League so far this season. By taking down some of the continent’s best teams, Barcelona managed to secure their place in the Round of 16 by coming second during the league phase.

Now, however, they also know their entire road to the final in Munich. As for their very next opponent, Barcelona is set to face off against a familiar opponent in Portuguese side SL Benfica. The last time these two sides met, it was a proper classic, and there is a great chance that these teams could provide more entertainment as well.

However, one of the representatives of the Portuguese side made it clear enough after the recent draw that Benfica are not going to be intimidated or fearful of anything. Director of International Relations at Benfica, Simao Sabrosa, as highlighted by Mundo Deportivo, was asked to speak about the fixture and certain details as well.

Speaking about Lamine Yamal, Sabrosa made sure to compliment the young talent but also made it clear enough that Benfica cannot afford to be fearful of the young winger’s quality:

“He’s a crack and a phenomenon, but we cannot be afraid. Fear of fear is the worst. We must respect him. He’s doing very well. Barça is doing a great job with Lamine, not only on the football field.”

However, Yamal was not the only Barcelona wonderkid he spoke about. He also mentioned Pau Cubarsi, who recently renewed his contract, and highlighted him as a great player as well:

“He’s also media-worthy, but due to the quality he has and the personality he shows as a defender, it’s not easy. Lamine is an attacker who must take on players, but Cubarsí seems to be four or five years older, just like our central defender Antonio Silva when he debuted. Both have a lot of calmness.”

At the same time, however, Sabrosa recounted the last time these two sides met and claims that he thinks Benfica lost unfairly. However, he did state that it was a great game overall:

“Both teams played really well, but we lost the match unfairly. Both of us have quality players and know how to play. I don’t like talking about the past, but it was a great match.”

As for Barcelona as a whole, Sabrosa was full of praise for Hansi Flick’s side:

“Barça knows very well how to maintain possession, and with a quick counterattack, they kill you and annihilate you. They have very fast players and a mix in their game that complicates things for the opponent. It will be two matches with goals because we also apply high pressing. It will be difficult and tough, but we are prepared.”

Interestingly, Simao Sabrosa is also a former Barcelona player himself, and that is why he claimed that this match does have a level of emotional connection for him as well:

“It’s always special to return to Barcelona. The emotional side is important. I still have friends and keep in touch with them, from delegate Carlos Naval, doctor Ricard (Pruna), the kit men, now Deco, with whom I played on the national team, and Bojan, also a good friend. I spent two years at Barça, learned, and enjoyed a lot, but now I have to defend Benfica, where I also played for six years.”

While it is always great to get the opinion of any opponent, even more so if they have some kind of an affiliation with Barcelona, the reality is that this team knows what it takes to win. Having beat Benfica once before, Barça will be eager to prove that they can do it again.