Benfica is about to face a significant challenge in the UEFA Youth League, with their crucial match scheduled for today at 3 PM, where they will measure up against AZ Alkmaar in Seixal. This decisive clash, which can be followed live on the A BOLA website, is a single-elimination round and promises to be a test of fire for the young talents of the eagles.
However, the task will not be easy for the team led by Vítor Vinha. The coach is facing a real puzzle due to several significant absences. Goalkeeper Diogo Ferreira, who has been a constant presence in the competition, as well as left-back José Neto and forward Anísio Cabral, all starters in the thrilling victory over Slavia Prague (3-2 on February 4), have been called up to the first team, which is currently in Madrid for the clash against Real. This absence leaves Vítor Vinha without key pieces for his strategy.
Meanwhile, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Daniel Banjaqui, who has been standing out in training under the guidance of José Mourinho, will be available for this match, as Bah’s return to the first team has opened up space for the right-back. “It’s a game that will require us to stay focused the entire time, from the first to the last second. We need to be organized, but with a strong conviction that if we play well organized and with the right mindset, we can defeat this opponent and advance to the next stage,” Vítor Vinha told BTV.
The coach does not hide his respect for AZ Alkmaar, who have proven to be a dangerous team, capable of creating goal-scoring opportunities even when defending. “I believe we will be able to create chances and reach the final third. However, we must be aware of what the opponent can do, as even when sitting deep, they have the necessary speed to hurt us. We need to be focused and confident that by doing everything within our reach, we can get through,” Vinha warned.
AZ Alkmaar, for its part, arrives at this match following an impressive 4-0 victory over Dortmund in the round of 16. The Dutch team had already demonstrated its strength by eliminating clubs such as Lincoln Red Imps and Aston Villa in previous rounds. In the last edition of the Youth League, AZ reached the semi-finals, where they were defeated by Barcelona (0-1) and, interestingly, had previously knocked out Benfica in the round of 16, in a thrilling contest that ended in penalties (4-3) after a 2-2 draw.
“We can no longer change what happened last season. What I told our players is that we don’t want a feeling of revenge, but rather the desire to move on to the next round,” said Vítor Vinha, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a positive mindset.
The winner of this clash will face Inter Milan, who, the day before, defeated Betis at home 5-3, following an exciting turnaround in the match. Expectations are high, and the tension in the air is palpable as Benfica prepares to fight for a place in the semi-finals of the UEFA Youth League.
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