"I still have little experience at this level, but I know what the demand is at my club"

PREVIEW

António Silva was Benfica's team spokesman on the eve of the game from matchday 3 in Group D of the Champions League, which takes place at 8 pm on Tuesday, October 24, and sees them host Real Sociedad, from Spain.

Which Benfica will it take this Tuesday to activate the so-called "Inferno da Luz"?

We know how important it is to play in our stadium. It's definitely the 12th man. We have to bring the fans to our side, as we always try to do, and I'm sure their help will be very important.

How important is this return to the Champions League for you, given that it's a "final" for Benfica?

The most important thing is that Benfica is going to play another Champions League game and that we're in a position to progress to the next stage. We know that it's up to us to get through, and that's what we're going to try to do.

Benfica have had some difficulties stabilizing their defensive quartet. Can that help explain why the team has conceded more goals compared to the same period last season?

If we look at last year, we conceded far fewer goals. It's something that's very collective, we're trying to improve, and we know we still have a lot to improve. It's one of the aspects we always work on during the week, and we hope to turn that situation around.

How do the players, on the pitch and in training, deal with the pressure of having to stay in the competition and having to win?

It's the pressure of playing for Benfica. Benfica is a huge club, and we're used to it. It's the world of football. I still have little experience at this level, but I know what the demands are at my club. It's another game for Benfica and another game for us to give our all.

At 19, you'll be playing your 12th game in the Champions League. You're an important part of a team like Benfica. Two years ago, did you see yourself in this position? How does it feel?

I never expected it, I'm enjoying it. I spent around seven years in the youth academy so that I could be here on this stage today representing Benfica's first team. I try to help my teammates as much as possible on the pitch and in training. It's about trying to help Benfica as much as possible.