Roger Schmidt was reluctant to talk about himself. “I’m not that important today,” said the Benfica coach after reaching the quarter-finals of the Champions League. That he made it into the top eight teams for the first time as a coach? He put that in the background after the furious 5-1 win in the round of 16 second leg against FC Brugge.
“Of course I’m happy because I’m the coach of my team. This is a big day for all of us. The Champions League is the most important competition in club football,” said the 55-year-old. “When you’re a part of it, you want to be there for as long as possible.” The draw for the quarter-finals of the Champions League will take place on March 17.
Schmidt had reached the round of 16 twice before with Bayer Leverkusen, failing both times at Atlético Madrid. Now he’s in the quarterfinals for the first time, but from his point of view it doesn’t necessarily have to be a German opponent. “I’ll take it as it comes. We’re waiting for the draw. I don’t have any special wishes,” he said.
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Rafa (38th minute), Gonçalo Ramos (45th + 2 / 57th), João Mário (71st / penalty) and David Neres (78th) scored the goals for Benfica. Bjorn Meijer (87th) scored the consolation goal for the guests at the Estádio da Luz. After the 6-1 in the group stage, it was the second highest Champions League victory in club history for the Portuguese. Schmidt’s team won the first leg in Belgium 2-0 and since taking office he has averaged 2.62 points in 42 games.
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