Benfica coach José Mourinho shared his thoughts following the team’s 2-0 victory over Napoli in the sixth round of the Champions League.

Match Analysis:
“We started very well. Everything we prepared worked perfectly, and the players read the game exactly as we hoped. They performed with spirit, cohesion, and intelligence. They showed class and confidence, exploiting the spaces we created. Ivanovic caused a lot of problems for Napoli by getting in behind. It’s a great win that keeps us in the fight. The next two games will be extremely tough against Juventus and Real Madrid, but we’re still very much in it.”

Game Strategy:
“The strategy worked as planned. Coaches often make the right choices, but it’s the players on the pitch who bring them to life. I knew Antonio Conte and my players well, and we prepared accordingly. Ivanovic was outstanding, and the team was smart throughout. The credit goes entirely to the players.”

Midfield Performance:
“The key was managing Buongiorno and Beukema as they moved to where Sudakov, Barreiro, and Aursnes positioned themselves. When they left spaces, Ivanovic took advantage, creating opportunities while also giving us moments to regroup. The players did an extraordinary job, and the team was incredibly strong.”

Debuts for Tiago Freitas and José Neto:
“These debuts weren’t initially planned, but I trust both players. If Dahl had a problem, Neto would step in; if Rios had an issue, Freitas would come in. Physically, they’re similar, and when we switched to a back five, we needed fresh legs to maintain intensity. Both players are strong in the air, and making their Champions League debuts for Benfica at Luz, and winning, makes it even more special.”