Jesus insists Barcelona are beatable

Benfica head coach Jorge Jesus claims his side do not fear Barcelona and cannot wait to play them in the UEFA Champions League.

Barcelona head to Benfica on Tuesday for their second match in Group G after a narrow victory at home to Spartak Moscow on matchday one, while their hosts drew away to Celtic.

Although Jesus conceded Barcelona are a team ‘with another dimension’, he argued Benfica will attempt to overcome all the factors against them to defeat Tito Vilanova’s visiting side.

“It’s true that Barcelona is a team with another dimension,” Jesus said.

“They are a bigger club and certainly more capable, with more resources, collectively, but, mainly, individually.

“We have information about all our opponents and Barcelona is no different; and we will see if we can stop them more effectively than the other teams that have played them in the past.

“I know that Barcelona normally win all the matches and I know that they come from seven straight victories, we know that is a difficult match, we respect them, but we don’t fear them.”

Barcelona top Group G and have started La Liga with six victories from as many matches but Benfica striker Nolito remains convinced the Portuguese club will try and win.

“Yes of course that is very clear, the idea is always to win isn’t it?” Nolito said.

“Sure Barcelona is a very strong rival but we are planning to go for a victory here.

“We want to make sure that we get some points here in Lisbon.”