Benfica confident of Europa League progression

Jorge Jesus believes his Benfica side can progress to the final of the UEFA Europa League, despite defeat in their first leg at Fenerbahce.

The Turkish giants take a 1-0 lead to Portugal after Egemen Korkmaz scored a later winner to hand them the advantage last week.

But Jesus has every faith that his charges can reverse the scoreline at the Estadio de la Luz.

“We are confident that we can change the round,” he said.

“It is a dangerous result, but one that leaves us confidence we can change this result.

“We have some experience of these duels in the Europa League and Champions League. We will not change anything we have done throughout the competition.

“Fenerbahce have had good performances away from home but we will continue to do what we have done at home and we believe that we will be in the final.

“We will give everything for this to be a reality tomorrow.”

Paraguayan striker Oscar Cardozo has called on the fans to back the team ahead of the crucial tie. He also stated that the side is good shape ahead of the fixture.

“I ask you to come to the stadium to help us because it will be easier to pass the final,” he added.

“We have had many games but we feel good for tomorrow and I think we will all be 100 percent.

“The priority is the group, that comes first then the individual. I’ll do my best to help my team.”