André Almeida: "This was a title of resilience"

André Almeida, one of the captains of Sport Lisboa e Benfica, was one of the key elements in the Reconquest. The eagles' right-back, in an interview with BTV in the Media Open Day, highlighted that the collective was the major driving force for the success in the Championship.

The final minutes of the title match

"I speak for myself: at that moment, the emotions take over us and we are already worried about what will come next, but when the game started, we entered with a huge desire to win the match and I think that this has been reflected throughout the season."

12 assists in the Liga NOS

"I am very pleased to have reached these numbers, along with Grimaldo, who also has the same figures. Seeing our work and our resilience throughout the year being rewarded is a celebration at the end."

Will to play beat the injury

"My last few week have been very difficult. I have picked up an injury that has been making things difficult for me for the last three, four weeks, but I asked the gaffer to let me play because I wanted to give my contribution and I didn't want to leave until the title was ours. This was a championship of resilience and I think that more than great players, we have great men in this squad and knew how to withstand the difficult moments and I think that our achievement is also well-deserved because of that."

And the "driving forces" of the title?

"I have to point out the collective, because even when we were seven points behind FC Porto, we always believed in our value and and the competence of what we did every day. Of course we did not know if we would win or not, it wasn't up to us then, but we knew we still had a lot to prove, and fortunately we did."

Fun in the dressing room

"Fortunately we have a group of happy and playful people. The fact that the group is like this helped us to face this stage of the season more lightly. In the decisive moments, where the emotional burden is heaviest and step onto the games can bring more anxiety, having such a fun and relaxed group eventually made it easier for us at this final stage."

Text: Diogo Nascimento

Pics: Francisca Caria / Archive SL Benfica