Dodi Lukebakio’s immediate impact, marked by a goal and an assist, fueled Benfica’s latest victory, highlighting his swift return to peak performance and their ongoing push for domestic titles.
The forward was named man of the match after his decisive performance against Tondela. He expressed satisfaction with both his individual contributions and the team’s triumph.
“We dominated the game. We tried to create opportunities,” Lukebakio said after the match. “I am very happy that we got the win. This is our objective. So, yes, I think we can now focus on Saturday’s game.”
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fD33mF4jJ3s]
Lukebakio emphasized the significance of scoring for the club and the importance of securing a home victory for the fans. Benfica aims to reclaim the Allianz Cup, a title they won last year.
“I am very happy, I want to thank God for this goal, which means a lot to me, for a club like Benfica,” he stated. “For us, it was very important to get this result at home, for the fans, because last year they won this title [Allianz Cup]. So, it’s very important again for the club to win this cup.”
Dodi Lukebakio (26) 🇧🇪 na Allianz Cup vs. Tondela:
⚽️ 1 golo
🅰️ 1 assistência
🔑 2 passes chave
👟 3 remates (1 no alvo)
💨 4/6 dribles completos
💪 4/5 duelos ganhos
💯 7.9 nota SofascoreMan of the Match. 🌟
pic.twitter.com/f41y8WzTjQ— Bola Benfiquista 🦅 (@bolabenfiquista) January 24, 2024
Lukebakio joined Benfica while nursing an injury. He recalled the need for a cautious recovery, but praised the team’s welcoming atmosphere upon his arrival.
He worked diligently to regain full fitness, crediting his teammates for their support in his return. The forward also highlighted the ongoing challenge of adapting to a new team, which features many new players and a new coach.
Finding a new dynamic is not easy, especially with matches every three days. However, the team’s consecutive victories are building crucial confidence.
“We are really trying to play better in each game,” Lukebakio commented. “We won the last game, and now we’ve won again. So, I think it is very important for the team to gain confidence and continue like this. Because we are Benfica.”
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E-09y4wJ94U]
Speaking about his experience under the team’s coach, Lukebakio described it as “very special,” calling it “a dream.” He expressed gratitude for the guidance he receives.
“It is an honor for me to have a coach like him, he gave me strength,” Lukebakio said. “He tells me what I have to do to try to reach my best level for the team.”
He further praised the coach’s extensive experience and history of winning numerous titles. Lukebakio believes this expertise is highly beneficial for the club.
“He is a coach who really has a lot of experience, who has won many titles, but who will also help us to be winners,” he added, underscoring the positive impact on Benfica’s aspirations.
Lukebakio fala de Mourinho: “É um sonho e uma honra ter um treinador como ele. Vai ajudar-nos a sermos vencedores”
Vê a entrevista completa em https://t.co/F82fG98lQJ e na SPORT TV+. pic.twitter.com/D8d3jFkR7S
— SPORT TV (@sporttvportugal) January 24, 2024
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nU6pW7yQ5bA]
Dodi Lukebakio no final do jogo:
🎙️ «É muito importante para o clube vencer a Taça da Liga novamente. Cheguei lesionado e tive de ir com calma. É uma honra trabalhar com o mister, é especial, um sonho. Ele tem muita experiência, ganhou muitos títulos e vai ajudar-nos a vencer.» pic.twitter.com/p6S015b63x
— Benfiquista Cambada (@benficacambada) January 24, 2024