Bruno Lage previews Benfica vs Nice: Florentino Luís and Aursnes in focus as the club eyes Champions League progress
Bruno Lage addressed the press to preview Benfica’s Champions League playoff with Nice, coming off a 2-0 win in France that puts the Portuguese side closer to the playoff round before the group stage glamour.
It’s always good to play at home, Lage said. “We have an important game and the support of the fans is fundamental. The task is far from finished. We want to win the game and move forward in the competition.” He also hinted that Benfica could line up again in a 4-4-2 formation, depending on the moment.
“Each game has its own strategy. The understanding between the two has been good. We feel the work of everyone, including Henrique Araújo, has been very good. Regardless of who plays, we start determined to finish the task against Nice,” he added.
Lage then spoke specifically about two Benfica midfielders: Florentino Luís and Fredrik Aursnes.
“Florentino Luís is very important. I first met him in the B team; we rose to the first team together and won titles and trophies. I want competitiveness among the players. It’s crucial that they feel it. The decision will depend on the game and the strategy we choose,” Lage said.
“One of his strengths is scouting. He knows all the players from Northern Europe and we sometimes even seek his opinion. He is a fantastic player and can perform different roles, irrespective of position, strategy or function,” the coach praised.
Lage also touched on the challenge of conducting a “pre-season” within official competition due to a shortened vacation, and highlighted the left-side dynamics and Tomás Araújo’s return to training.
“We’re doing a preseason in official matches; we’ll play our fifth game and we’ve had 20 training sessions. There’s a huge determination and willingness from the players to get to know themselves. We’ve conquered our biggest adversary, which is the lack of time. We want to keep growing as a team,” he stated, before commenting on the left-backs.
“The competition between Samuel Dahl and Álvaro Carreras has been very good. It’s interesting that Samuel and Álvaro have often played together. Depending on the game and the strategy, we can use both full-backs. We used to push out with Álvaro in a three-man setup; now it’s a different dynamic. We need to grow according to the players’ characteristics and what they can offer. Tomás Araújo? He’s in a middle ground. He started training with the squad at the end of last week and we’ll see. We won’t reveal anything in advance; we want to wait to see what he does,” he added.
The Benfica vs Nice match is scheduled for Tuesday, August 12, at 8:00 p.m. at the Estádio da Luz. If the Eagles advance, they will face either Fenerbahçe or Feyenoord.
The report also notes that DAZN will continue to deliver live coverage of the action in Portugal, highlighting the platform’s wide range of sport offerings and subscription deals.
What this means for Benfica
– Benfica carry a modest two-goal advantage from the first leg that keeps them well-positioned to reach the Champions League group stage, but Lage emphasizes focus and intensity rather than resting on the result.
– The manager’s focus on Florentino Luís and Aursnes underscores Benfica’s emphasis on midfield versatility and internal competition to drive performance.
– The squad’s adjustment to a compressed calendar and the evolving left-back options suggest manager flexibility as he builds depth ahead of the high-stakes playoff.
Summary
Bruno Lage’s comments ahead of Benfica’s home leg against Nice foreground a mix of tactical options, squad competitiveness, and a clear aim to close out the tie and push Benfica toward the Champions League group stage, all while navigating a busy schedule and leveraging home support.
Note on broadcasting
DAZN Portugal remains the platform for live coverage, aligning with the match’s visibility and broader sports programming.