Moreirense hosts Benfica this Wednesday, at 8:45 PM, in a third-round Liga match. Coach Vasco Botelho da Costa views the match as particularly demanding, also due to the short recovery period between games. The coach acknowledged the opponent's quality and pointed to the physical component as one of the main difficulties for his team, which is still adapting to a tighter schedule.
The defeat against FC Porto, in the previous round, serves as a reference for the clash with Benfica. Vasco Botelho da Costa stated that, at minimum, the team has to match the competitive levels from the last game, but preferably surpass them. The coach noted that Benfica and Porto present different characteristics, forcing Moreirense to prepare a different strategy, since Benfica looks to exploit the interior play but also creates imbalances through the wide channels.
Despite the physical and tactical demands, Vasco Botelho da Costa guaranteed that the team's identity will not be forgotten, highlighting that Moreirense likes to press and play with the ball. The coach added that the midfield will have limitations due to the absence of Veloso and the sending off of Liberato, but believes in the available solutions, considering the squad "well-equipped" and capable of fighting for all three points.
The coach preferred not to focus the analysis on João Palhinha, recalling that Benfica has a squad full of internationals. With the transfer market closed, Vasco Botelho da Costa considered that Moreirense is stronger than last season, highlighting the existence of various solutions for each position and the diversity of players' characteristics.
