After Porto, the Champions League once again puts the Portuguese side on the path of Club Brugge, this time Benfica, to the round of 16.
“Above all, I wanted to avoid Manchester City,” says Simon Mignolet of his first reaction to the draw. “After that, Benfica are a good opponent. We have a feeling that we have a chance, despite the fact that we are a team that has not lost this season. We knew that any opponent would be difficult, but we approach this game with a positive attitude,” he adds.
The experienced Belgian goalkeeper, however, attributes the favoritism to Benfica: “We play primarily at home and if we manage to keep goals at home, it will be all or nothing in the away game. Benfica are the favourites, I think we have a 20-25 per cent chance, but these data are not important in and of themselves. Let’s analyze, let’s prepare for the idea of passing this tie.”
“After Porto, we will face a stronger team from Portugal because Benfica are first. This is a top team with a very good coach. I think that Benfica is a little higher than Porto. It will be a very difficult game against a team from a league similar to ours, and that will also be important. We are happy to meet Benfica, this will be the first time the two teams will face each other,” he concludes.
