Benfica’s women’s football team acknowledged a difficult Champions League defeat marked by misfortune and a player disadvantage, asserting their commitment to ongoing development as they face elite European competition.
Central defender Diana Gomes spoke to sports publication Record after the team’s loss to Paris FC in the fourth round of the Women’s Champions League. She highlighted the challenge of playing with one less player during the match.
“We were unlucky to be left with one player less. Things got tougher, but we showed we came here for only one result and tried until the end, but unfortunately we didn’t succeed,” Gomes stated.
The defender also noted an unlucky deflection that led to Paris FC’s first goal and Benfica’s inability to convert their own chances. She emphasized the need for continuous improvement.
“We know we are in a growth phase, every day we want more and always to honor this jersey. We go onto the field to show that we have evolved more and more and that we want to be on these stages,” Gomes added. “We have to see what we did wrong and correct it so that in the next games we start better or do things much better.”
Benfica now faces upcoming matches against top-tier teams Barcelona and PSG. Gomes maintained a resolute stance regarding these fixtures.
“We know they are top world teams, but every game is a final and we always have to go in eye-to-eye, no matter who the opponent is, and show and give our best,” she said.
Gomes also expressed gratitude for the continued support from the club’s fans, particularly during away matches abroad. She described it as a “unique thing that gives us another motivation.”