Brazilian defender Morato, ex-São Paulo, is gaining ground with coach Jorge Jesus. This Saturday afternoon, he participated in Benfica’s victory over Trofense by 2-1, in Trofa, in the debut of the Portuguese Cup. The Lisbon club guaranteed the classification to the fourth stage of the competition.
“It was tough, but it was worth a lot for the classification. That was our goal. I’m very happy for this moment, for this game, and I’m grateful for Mister’s confidence. I have to work hard to correspond”, said the athlete.
Promoted by Jorge Jesus this year to join the main cast, Morato, only 20 years old, has been guaranteeing his place alongside the selectables Lucas Veríssimo (BRA), Otamendi (ARG) and Vertonghen (BEL). This Saturday, the Brazilian played his ninth game of the season and remains undefeated: seven wins and two draws, with just three goals conceded.
Next Wednesday, Benfica will play again for the European Champions League. Vice-leader of Group E with four points from two games, the Portuguese host Bayern Munich, leader with six. Morato already lives the expectation of the game.
“We know that Bayern are one of the great powers of world football. But Benfica is also and we will work hard to play a great game in front of our fans and win a good result”, said the defender.
For the European competition, Morato played in three of the four knockout games – against Spartak Moscow and PSV Eindhoven – that classified Benfica for the group stage. They also participated in the tie against Dynamo Kiev (0x0) in the 1st round of Group E. For the national championship, the Encarnados lead with 21 points in eight rounds.
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