Monaco vs SL Benfica preview

Posted Wednesday, October 22, 2014 by PA

Monaco coach Leonardo Jardim will not be taking Benfica lightly when the two teams meet in Champions League Group C on Wednesday, despite the Portuguese club's woeful campaign so far.

Jorge Jesus' men have lost both of their group matches - against Zenit St Petersburg and Bayer Leverkusen - conceding five goals in the process and scoring just one.

Yet Portuguese coach Jardim knows the club well from his time in charge of their bitter rivals Sporting Lisbon and believes they have more than enough ability to get out of their current predicament.

He told a press conference: "Benfica have great qualities and their position in the group is not a reflection of the level they play at.

"They were finalists in last season's Europa League, they are the Portuguese champions and the current Liga leaders as well. We respect this team.

"Jorge Jesus has done a very good job so far. Benfica have not changed their DNA much in the last three years. They have stuck with Jorge Jesus and his game is the same.

"They are still a team of the highest quality. I expect them to put on a strong performance. We will try to do what we did in our first two matches and respect our opponents."

Monaco lie level on four points with leaders Zenit, having beaten Leverkusen on matchday one before playing out a goalless draw with the Russians last time out.