Benfica’s women’s team, despite facing a significant injury list, is preparing to challenge formidable English side Arsenal in their upcoming UEFA Women’s Champions League group stage match, driven by ambition and a desire to compete as underdogs.
Head coach Ivan Baptista stated Tuesday that his team would approach the Matchday 2 fixture at Lisbon’s Estádio da Luz with an aim to “divide the game” against their powerful opponents. This follows an opening 2-1 defeat to Juventus in Turin, where Benfica also competed until the final moments.
German midfielder Anna Gasper echoed the coach’s sentiment, expressing excitement for the difficult encounter. “Everyone expects Arsenal to be favorites because they are the current champions, but that’s good for us because we don’t have pressure,” Gasper said, adding that Benfica aims to secure “at least one point.”
The Portuguese five-time national champions will be significantly hampered by injuries. Nycole is sidelined under concussion protocol, while Ana Borges, Andreia Norton, Marta Salvador, and Andrea Falcón are also unavailable for the clash.
Baptista acknowledged the strength of Arsenal but emphasized the responsibility of playing at home. He highlighted the significant investment Benfica has made in women’s football over the past six years, asserting that the club’s journey has been crucial in elevating Portuguese teams on the European stage.
“The fact that we are here doing a preview for the Champions League against a European champion is largely due to Benfica’s journey over the last six years,” Baptista stated, referring to the club’s overall growth. He added that Benfica’s efforts have helped Portugal place three teams in European competitions.