uefa.com:
SL Benfica are welcoming the distraction of UEFA Champions League football
again and a first knockout round meeting with holders Liverpool FC at the
Estádio da Luz after a run of poor domestic results.
'Great opportunity'
The Portuguese title-holders have lost three of their last four Liga
matches and coach Ronald Koeman is looking forward to the Liverpool
challenge. "It will be good to play in a different competition," said the
Dutchman. "We can leave behind the results we have been having. It is a
great opportunity to show we have quality against the champions of
Europe."
'Aggressive midfield'
Koeman guided Benfica to a 2-1 win against Manchester United FC on
Matchday 6 but expects a sterner challenge from their English rivals. He
added: "Beating Liverpool is more complicated than defeating Manchester
United. They are much more aggressive in midfield. They have a mixture of
Spanish and English qualities and play a 4-4-2 system in which the four
defenders and midfielders work a lot so they have eight players trying to
keep the ball or win it when they've lost it. Manchester United may have
more individual quality but the Liverpool team at the moment is much
stronger."
Defensive strength
A European champion with FC Barcelona in 1992, Koeman is aware that
Liverpool conceded only one goal in the group stage and have not been
breached in their last three matches, but sees a glimmer of hope. He said:
"I'm not worried about their defensive record but I respect that and that
is the way they play. They have defended very well in their last two
matches: Arsenal [FC] and Manchester United did not have a clear chance.
But I also watched them one day, against Luton [Town FC] in the FA Cup,
and they conceded three goals. So tomorrow they might have another bad
day."
WilliamHill:
Benfica win 9/5
draw 2/1
Liverpool win 13/10
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