Benfica controlled the game, says Jorge Jesus after Celtic draw
The Portuguese coach was pleased with his side's performance and said he was happy to leave Celtic Park with a point, despite squandering several golden opportunities
Sep 19, 2012 11:50:00 PM
By Max Bentley
Benfica manager Jorge Jesus expressed his happiness at his side's performance in the 0-0 draw away at Celtic, despite missing a host of chances to win the match.
Os Aguias are hoping to secure progress to the knockout stages of the Champions League for a second successive season and Jesus was thrilled with his side's defensive display at Celtic Park.
Speaking to reporters after the match, the 58-year-old coach said: "We had the best opportunity of the first-half with Rodrigo, and the same happened in the second-half."
"We faced very strong opponents, they were very difficult and played strong, direct football, making us drop very deep.
"But defensively we did not let Celtic create a single goal opportunity. Our two full-backs were very strong.
"We controlled the game as we wanted."
Former Bolton loanee, Rodrigo, rued his side's lack of cutting edge, but felt that a draw was the correct outcome and one that benefits Benfica's European ambitions.
"In the end it was a fair result. We created enough opportunities to win but the ball always hit someone and we could not score. It was a positive result for us," he stated.
Benfica face a stern test in their next Champions League Group G match, when they entertain Spanish giants Barcelona at Estadio da Luz on Tuesday October 2.
