Benfica’s veteran forward, Makram Ben Romdhane, is clear about what his team needs to do. The Tunisian star believes Benfica must start strong when they host Gran Canaria on Tuesday. It’s their first home game in Group H of the Champions League, kicking off at 8:30 PM.
Romdhane, at 36 years old, knows this match means a lot. He expects a very tough contest, just like their recent battles against other strong ACB teams. The team has been preparing hard. They are focused on winning, but he warns that every game in the Champions League will be a challenge. There are no easy wins here.
Benfica has plenty of experience in its ranks. Romdhane says they must use that wisdom to control the flow of the game. Their main goal is to move past the group stage and then go as far as possible in the tournament. He believes playing against these stronger, more difficult Champions League opponents is crucial. It made them better last season, helping them clinch the Portuguese championship. However, he stressed the need for a change in mindset. The team isn’t just here to take part, or to grab one or two wins. It’s about more than just having fun or putting Benfica’s name on the Champions League roster. They are here to compete seriously.
Success in the Champions League demands total focus for the entire 40 minutes of a game. Romdhane pointed out that in the Portuguese league, teams can get away with inconsistent play, having “many ups and downs.” But in Europe, if you don’t play well for the full 40 minutes, you will lose. That’s why mental and physical preparation is key.
Romdhane himself didn’t play in the first game of the Liga Betclic season. He explained that Benfica has seven foreign players, but only six can play in the league. This means the coach has to rotate the squad, especially with two games scheduled every week this month. This rotation helps keep everyone fresh and avoids the kind of injuries that plagued the team last season. He understands that someone will always have to rest.
When asked about the team’s current strength, Romdhane admitted he wasn’t fully happy with their defense early on. He thinks they aren’t at their strongest point right at the start of the season. But he noted that Benfica usually finds its form later, especially in the playoffs, becoming more aggressive and united. At the beginning of the season, players might focus on their own performance and stats. It’s still too early to say if this current squad is stronger than last year’s. They have good players and talent, but it will take a few months and many games to truly gauge their level.
Ultimately, winning trophies will decide if this team is “better” than past ones. Romdhane reflected that last season’s team might have looked good on paper, but “lost everything” in the end. For him, the team’s attitude, spirit, and fighting mentality are what truly matter. They are ready to win every game and bring home many trophies this season.