Barcelona director Deco reacts to UCL Round of 16 draw vs Benfica – ‘We suffered a lot’

The draw for the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 took place earlier today in Nyom, and FC Barcelona will be locking horns with SL Benfica for a spot in the quarterfinals.

The two teams already met in the league phase of the tournament, with Barça staging a historic 5-4 comeback win away at Estadio da Luz, thanks to a stoppage-time winner from Raphinha.

The Blaugrana avoided a more difficult draw against PSG in the Round of 16 and have a fairly straightforward path to the semi-finals as they will face either Borussia Dortmund or Lille in the quarter-finals should they see off Benfica.

Deco’s first words

Barcelona sporting director Deco, who was present at the draw in Nyom today, spoke to Movistar and gave his thoughts about facing Benfica.

The Portuguese stated that even though they avoided PSG, it would not be an easy fixture given how the Catalans suffered on their last visit to Estadio da Luz.

“Look, I think that at this stage there is not much to choose from, it is true that PSG are in a great moment and so are Benfica,” he noted.

“We already faced Benfica and it was a very difficult match there, where we suffered a lot and we actually made a historic comeback but we could have easily lost because Benfica were very strong.”

On whether Barcelona have a chance to go all the way and win the Champions League, Deco said: “The chances are there, but we have to be focused on every match.”

Continuing, he added: “The draw put us on this path, first we have to beat Benfica and try to qualify.

“It will be a difficult match and the atmosphere there will be complicated, more so given the way the last match ended there, I think Benfica are a very strong team at home, so we have to focus on the first match against Benfica and then we will see.”

On whether he thinks it helps the team to know who they could face in the subsequent rounds in the Champions League thanks to the bracket, Deco replied:

“Ultimately, in the Champions League, there are no such calculations. For example, last season, when PSG, who for me were one of the favourites, went out early against a team that was considered the weakest. People did not expect Dortmund to reach the final.

“So in the Champions League, there are no such expectations. Those who are inside football and know the teams well, realise that all the teams are strong in different aspects.

“That is why I think the most important thing is to play, try to qualify step by step and focus on each match individually.”

Deco on Real Madrid’s form

Meanwhile, the Barcelona director also touched upon the improving form of their arch-rivals Real Madrid, who beat Manchester City in the knockout playoffs and will face Atletico Madrid in the Round of 16.

“All teams go through different phases, there are better and worse moments during the season. I think Real Madrid have been in good shape for a long time,” said Deco.

“For me, they are a team that has been getting back to their best since December, they have been scoring goals again and their main players have been scoring again.”

Continuing, he added: “They are always in great form, they are a team that has won the Champions League many times, so to think that Real Madrid have not been in good shape is just a mistake.

“In my opinion, Madrid have always been good, but there are moments when the team is at a lower or higher level, as happened to us. It is the same for Real Madrid, all the great teams always get back to their best.

“But for us, we have to focus on our team, and we know that good moments do not always last, but we have to seize them, work hard and continue to strive for the best performances.”