Pressure mounts on Benfica
Matchday two in Group G clarified that it’s going to be a three way fight for second spot behind Barcelona with second place as likely as fourth.
The great dilemma for Celtic fans is whether they dare reach for the sky and wish for second place or go for the insurance policy of third place and the hope of an extended run in the Europa League as the tenth anniversary of Seville approaches.
Matchday four should help clarify a number of issues with the pressure on Benfica to win at home to Spartak or face the likelihood of finishing the campaign in bottom place.
“It would have been important to get a point.,” Benfica coach Jorge Jesus admitted after losing in Moscow. “We played well enough to deserve one but Spartak surprised us, and also the fact this is an artificial pitch [influenced proceedings].
“We struggled to adapt but we put that right. We dominated in the second half and had several chances, but could not score. Still, we deserved to leave with a point. Now we have to win both games at home and I think if we do that we can get there. We have every chance of winning them.
Spartak boss Unai Emery was much happier after being criticised following the defeat by Celtic.
Emery said: “I have to underline that we controlled the match almost throughout the contest, from the first minute. We were really good on the ball today. Not only did we score twice, we were really intense in attack and defence.
“We didn’t allow Benfica to do that much, so we are happy with the result and our display.”
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