Jesus targets Athens victory - 7M sport

Jesus targets Athens victory

Posted Thursday, October 01, 2009 by PA

Benfica coach Jorge Jesus is only thinking of victory as he takes his side to Greece for their Europa League clash against AEK Athens.

The Portuguese team have won their past five games in the league, scoring 20 goals in the process, and are currently second in the standings.

They are level with Everton at the top of Group I after beating BATE Borisov 2-0 last time out and Jesus is confident of bringing the three points back from Athens.

"The team is very confident given what we have done in the Portuguese league," he said. "If we win this game in Athens we give ourselves a very important step towards qualification.

"They have a couple of Argentinians upfront that we have to stop. They may also be able to put us in difficulty but we have always managed to be stronger and do our own good things.

"And as for the fans, we are mentally prepared for that, because the great players like these atmosphere.

"In short, we go to Athens with only one idea: to bring back victory."

Jesus will be without youngsters Roderick Miranda and Jonathan Urreta who are both with their national teams at the World Under-20 Cup while Jose Shaffer has gastro-enteritis.

However, Moreira, Miguel Vitor and Carlos Martins return.

In contrast to a buoyant Benfica team, their hosts are lacking in confidence and need to turn around their season.

Their 4-0 loss at Everton a fortnight ago was swiftly followed by domestic defeats against Olympiacos and Panathinaikos and AEK have now slipped to eighth in the league.

"We don't have such a bad team," said coach Dusan Bajevic. "The results are what has been bad.

"And that's what we want: results. If it is not against Benfica, let it be in the following matches.

"The truth is that we are going to face a very strong team. One of the best in Europe.

"All the players know what they can do on the pitch.

"It's a really good team, but that does not mean we can not do anything. Rest assured that we will try to win."

Carlos Araujo, Grigoris Makos, Geraldo and Tamandani Nsaliwa are injured.

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