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Belarusian champions BATE beaten by Benfica in UEFA Europa League

Belarusian soccer champions BATE Barysaw were beaten by Portugal’s Benfica 2-1 in a game of the UEFA Europa League at the Dynama Stadium in Minsk on December 2.

“It was a very good match by both teams,” BATE Head Coach Viktar Hancharenka told reporters after the game. “We were a poorer side as far as it concerns ball possession, position attacks. We must take this into account and achieve more progress to create more troubles for such opponents. The fact that we had a bad start to the second half is linked to mental rather than physical fatigue, the loss of concentration. Such teams like Benfica do not forgive this. The defeat at the hands of Everton is more painful as Benfica caused us more troubles, although it’s difficult to name a game where the Portuguese would let the opponents create so many chances.”

Jorge Jesus, head coach of Benfica, noted that “we had prepared for such a hard game because BATE have a completely different style.” “We were surprised at the pace at the beginning of the game and the form of the [BATE] players. Our defending was poor. We talked to the players at half-time, corrected some tactical aspects, motivated the players and their game improved. BATE displayed much better technical skills today than in Lisbon. Good teamwork is the main strength of this side. I will single out number ten player Syarhey Kryvets,” he said.

The Portuguese club beat BATE 2-0 in their September 17 game in Lisbon. Benfica lead their Europa League group with 12 points from five games, while BATE are third with four points from as many matches.