Benfica’s Women’s Champions League progression has become more challenging after a frustrating 1-1 draw against Twente, prompting coach Ivan Baptista to acknowledge a lack of desired control and physical freshness.
The result, secured on the third matchday of the regular phase, was “not the result we wanted today,” Baptista told reporters.
Benfica now faces increased pressure to secure a victory in their upcoming match against Paris FC to maintain their campaign in the elite European competition.
Baptista described the game as “very disputed” and “not always well played,” noting that Twente presented a “very well organized” opponent with “players of the highest level.”
He highlighted Benfica’s “some lack of freshness” as a contributing factor, attributing it to their demanding schedule of playing every three days, in contrast to Twente, who had a “clean week” of preparation.
This disparity affected Benfica’s ability to control the physical contest, particularly in the central zone of the field.
After taking the lead, Benfica “could not control the rhythm” of the game and subsequently conceded a goal.
The coach stated Benfica had “some responsibility for not reacting correctly” to the equalizer.
Tactical adjustments were made during the match, including the precautionary substitution of Catarina Amado to prevent injury, as she had received “no rest.”
The team also needed to adjust to neutralize Twente’s attacks down the wings.
Baptista warned that anything less than a victory in Paris “may condition our performance in this competition,” emphasizing the club’s desire to “honor the recent past in this competition.”