Fenerbahce manager, Jose Mourinho, has acknowledged that his side fell short against Benfica, after the Portuguese club edged his team 1-0 on aggregate in Wednesday’s UEFA Champions League play-off second leg.
The first leg had ended in a goalless draw, leaving Fenerbahce needing a breakthrough in Lisbon. But despite creating chances, Mourinho’s men were unable to find the net and were reduced to ten players during the clash, which ultimately sealed their exit.
Speaking after the game, Mourinho admitted, “It is a club that knows this type of game, and obviously there is sadness in not being able to do it, but for me, I am aware that we lost against a team that is better than us. We had chances, but then we were reduced to 10 men and the game was over. But I think overall, the better team went through.”
With Champions League dreams dashed, Fenerbahce will now turn their attention to the Europa League, where they are set to compete in Pot 2 during Friday’s draw. Mourinho also shared his thoughts on the competition, praising FC Porto as a formidable side.
He said, “We have not won the league in years, and that is always the goal. Obviously, the Europa League is a competition better suited to our potential. Last year we had a good Europa League, but we were eliminated on penalties after a brilliant performance in Glasgow.
“Now we will try to go further. There are still good teams in the Europa League, but the level is different from the Champions League. But FC Porto are there, and they are strong, very strong.”
Fenerbahce join a strong list of clubs in the Europa League this season, including Porto, Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest, Celtic, and Rangers.
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