Atlético coach Pedro D’Oliveira declared his profound pride in his team’s performance against powerhouse Benfica, even after their elimination from the Portuguese Cup.
D’Oliveira stated his team “looked them in the eye and created difficulties for one of the best teams in the world” as long as their stamina held. The defeat saw Atlético exit the prestigious Taça de Portugal.
“While the legs lasted, we created difficulties for one of the best teams in the world. Pride,” D’Oliveira told reporters after the match.
He emphasized that the team’s strategy was rooted in their identity and courage. Even as physical fatigue set in during the second half, the spirit of the players remained strong.
“When legs failed, courage did not,” D’Oliveira added, crediting Benfica’s merit in the second half.
When asked if Richard Ríos’ goal had effectively ended their ambitions, D’Oliveira rejected the notion.
“I can’t say that,” he responded. “At 1-0 we are always in the game. If it were the other way around, Benfica wouldn’t let the game go either.”