Benfica will go to Barcelona to chase qualification, says Jorge Jesus

21 Nov 2012 00:40:00

The 58-year-old believes that his side thoroughly deserved to beat a "lucky" Celtic side in Lisbon on Monday, and is optimistic ahead of the trip to Camp Nou

Benfica coach Jorge Jesus is hopeful that his side can seal qualification to the next stage of the Champions League on matchday 6 against Barcelona.

The Lisbon giants claimed a 2-1 victory over Celtic on Tuesday and currently sit in third play in Group G going into the final round of games.

"Our aim tonight was achieved because with this win we are still in Europe. We will not change because we have a gameplan we have worked on for years," he told reporters.

"Now we will go to Barcelona to chase qualification. They are the best team in the world, and there is one player [Messi] who makes the difference, but there are plenty of others."

Looking back on the clash with the Scottish side, Jesus stated that his side deserved to win on the night, but admitted that Neil Lennon's troops are also in a strong position to progress.

"We had a great game, carrying on our good recent form," he continued.

"Celtic have been lucky in the Champions League, and today once again they did not create anything, and could have been three or four goals behind.

"Their goal was from a set piece, which we knew they were strong on. In my opinion they can get through but Benfica and Spartak are stronger than Celtic.

"They beat Barcelona and they are in a good position because of that."