The new format of the Champions League begins this Wednesday, with Benfica hosting Valongo in Group B.
In a season in which they have strengthened their search for trophies, Edu Castro’s Eagles are betting on this competition. “It’s the title of titles, the one that enchants the most. There are titles that better reflect your day-to-day work, such as the championship, because it’s the one you dedicate the most time to. Then, there are those great ones that, surely, they cause greater joy when you win them”, explained the eagles’ coach to BTV. The three remaining Portuguese teams in competition only enter action this Thursday: FC Porto hosts OC Barcelos, while Oliveirense faces French side Quévert.
The 12 teams in action at this stage of the Champions League are divided into two groups and will compete in ten rounds (between November 20th and February 27th), with passage to the quarter-finals (played over two matches) reserved for the top four placed teams.
Group constitution:
A – OC Barcelos, FC Porto, Barcelona, Saint-Omer, Noia and Reus
B – Benfica, Valongo, Oliveirense, Liceo, Trissino and Quévert
1st day
November 20th
Benfica 20:00 Valongo
Barcelona (ESP) 20h30 ST. Omer (FRA)
November 21st
FC Porto 20h30 OC Barcelos
Oliveirense 20h30 Quévert (FRA)
Noia (ESP) 20h45 Reus (ESP)
Trissino (ITA) 21h00 High school (ESP)
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Ah, the Champions League—where dreams are crushed and glory is snatched from the jaws of defeat faster than you can say “VAR review!” This season kicks off with a bang as Benfica gears up to face Valongo. The only thing more exciting than a high-stakes match like this is watching Jimmy Carr try to keep a straight face during his stand-up!
Now, Edu Castro, the mastermind behind the Eagles, is all in on this competition, claiming it’s “the title of titles.” I mean, we all have that one title we value more than anything—mine’s “Most Likely to Never be the Same After Watching One Gervais Comedy Special!” The coach is spot on though; while winning the league is like putting in your hours and getting the paycheck, winning a big trophy feels like finding out that you’re actually the main character in some epic sports drama. You’d think he was describing a relationship there; plenty of ups and downs, and ultimately you just want to lift something shiny!
And speaking of shiny trophies, the structure this year features two groups competing over ten rounds, and guess what? Only the top four teams get to prance off to the quarter-finals. It’s like a game of musical chairs, but the music is a chorus of wildly enthusiastic fans. Just hope you’re not the team that ends up awkwardly standing alone when the music stops!
This week, we’ve got a thrilling lineup to kick off the group stages. The teams are ready, the crowd is buzzing, and the expectations are sky-high. FC Porto, Oliveirense, and the rest of the bunch will join the fray shortly after Benfica’s curtain-raiser. You might think it’s a competition to see who can score the most goals, but in reality, it’s a battle to avoid falling flat on your face like one of Lee Evans’ slapstick routines. Ooops!
Now, let’s take a glance at the groups. Group A features an intriguing mix, including the likes of FC Porto and Barça, which is a bit like pairing a fine wine with a gourmet cheese: sophisticated and potentially delicious. Over in Group B, we have Benfica leading the charge with Valongo, Oliveirense, and several intriguing international teams—like a party where everyone brings their own unique dish, and some just show up with a bag of chips. But hey, we love chips, don’t we?
To wrap it up, mark your calendars because November 20th is going to be a date to remember. It’s time for some high-speed thrills as these teams fight tooth and nail for a chance at glory. Who will win? Can Valongo pull a fast one? Will Edu Castro’s Eagles soar to the top? Or are we just going to see a series of self-inflicted wounds like a bad episode of “The Office”? The beauty of sports is we never really know until the final whistle blows. So, sit back, grab the popcorn, and enjoy the chaos; it’s bound to be a spectacle, much like standing in the front row of a Gervais show—hilarious and a bit risky!
Now, don’t leave the commentary to chance—get your opinions rolling! Who knows? You might just score a goal in the commentary section. Cheers!
The eagerly anticipated new format of the Champions League kicks off this Wednesday, featuring Benfica as they welcome Valongo to their home ground in Group B.
This season has seen Benfica intensify their quest for silverware, with coach Edu Castro emphasizing the importance of this prestigious tournament. “It’s the title of titles, the one that enchants the most. There are titles that better reflect your day-to-day work, such as the championship, because it’s the one you dedicate the most time to. Then, there are those great ones that, surely, they cause greater joy when you win them,” Castro shared in an interview with BTV, highlighting the club’s ambitions to secure glory on multiple fronts.
The three remaining Portuguese clubs—FC Porto, Oliveirense, and Valongo—will also commence their campaigns on Thursday. FC Porto will host OC Barcelos, while Oliveirense faces off against the French team Quévert, adding to the excitement of the competition.
The Champions League this season features 12 teams, meticulously arranged into two groups, set to engage in an extensive battle across ten thrilling rounds from November 20th to February 27th. The top four teams from each group will secure their places in the quarter-finals, which will be held over two legs, intensifying the stakes as teams vie for progression.
Group constitution:
A – OC Barcelos, FC Porto, Barcelona, Saint-Omer, Noia and Reus
B – Benfica, Valongo, Oliveirense, Liceo, Trissino and Quévert
1st day
November 20th
Benfica 20:00 Valongo
Barcelona (ESP) 20h30 ST. Omer (FRA)
November 21st
FC Porto 20h30 OC Barcelos
Oliveirense 20h30 Quévert (FRA)
Noia (ESP) 20h45 Reus (ESP)
Trissino (ITA) 21h00 High school (ESP)
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What does Edu Castro believe is the significance of the Champions League for Benfica and its fans?
### Interview with Edu Castro, Coach of Benfica
**Interviewer:** Thanks for joining us, Edu! The new format of the Champions League begins soon, with Benfica hosting Valongo. Can you share your thoughts on what this tournament means for you and the team?
**Edu Castro:** Thank you for having me! For us, the Champions League is indeed “the title of titles.” It’s a prestigious competition that not only brings recognition but also the joy of competing at the highest level. Winning a title like this can mean everything, especially for our fans who have strong emotional connections to these matches.
**Interviewer:** Speaking of fans, the anticipation is palpable as your team gears up for this first match. How do you prepare your players for the excitement and pressure of such high-stakes games?
**Edu Castro:** Preparation is key. We focus on ensuring our players are technically and mentally ready. We also emphasize the importance of staying calm under pressure. The excitement can be overwhelming, but if we stay focused on our game plan while enjoying the moment, we can perform at our best.
**Interviewer:** This season’s format involves two groups and ten rounds of competition. How do you think this will impact the way teams play and strategize?
**Edu Castro:** The format adds an interesting dynamic. With only the top four teams progressing, every match counts profoundly. It requires a more strategic approach to each game, as teams need to balance aggression with caution. We have to maximize our performance in every round; there’s no room for errors if we want to progress to the quarter-finals.
**Interviewer:** In Group B, you have some exciting matches lined up. How do you assess the competition from teams like Oliveirense and Quévert?
**Edu Castro:** We respect all our opponents. Teams like Oliveirense and Quévert have their strengths, and we need to be prepared for their tactics. It’s crucial that we not only focus on our performance but also analyze their style of play meticulously. Every game is an opportunity, and we need to seize it from the very first match.
**Interviewer:** Last question, Edu. Do you have a particular goal for Benfica this season in the Champions League?
**Edu Castro:** Absolutely! Our primary goal is to advance as far as we can and ideally lift the trophy at the end. Each match is a step toward that goal, and with the support of our incredible fans, we believe we can make a deep run in this tournament. Let’s make it a memorable season!
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Edu, and best of luck in the Champions League!
**Edu Castro:** Thank you! We appreciate the support and hope to give everyone plenty to cheer about!
