Roger Schmidt: "We played a fantastic game"

POST-MATCH

With a 0-1 win at Rangers in the second leg of their Europa League last-16 tie, Benfica booked their passage to the quarter-finals of the competition with a 2-3 aggregate.

PRAISE FOR THE DISPLAY

"We played a fantastic game. It was a very good game of football overall. The team was balanced, we defended very well, we were very organized, and we controlled important spaces, which isn't easy because Rangers rely a lot on long balls and crosses. We played at the top of our game defensively and found solutions in attack, especially in transition. We failed a little with the final pass, and we couldn't find the best timing. We had some top moments in the first half, scored in the second half and then had moments to decide the game. You have to accept that sometimes Rangers, at home, can put you under pressure. We were expecting that, and we didn't give them any opportunities for unopposed shots in or near the box. We worked hard and fought as a team not to concede. That was the key. The team did very well. Rangers are a strong opponent, but looking at both legs, we deserved to progress to the quarter-finals."

DEFENDING RED HISTORY IN EUROPE

"It's international football, Benfica is a great club with a lot of tradition and history. Always playing European matches, particularly in the knockout phase, is very important for the team. We have a good mix of very experienced players and young players. In particular, the young players can grow in these kinds of games. In the quarter-finals there will be a strong opponent again, and we've worked hard to reach the quarter-finals. Last season we were in the quarter-finals of the Champions League and now we're in the quarter-finals of the Europa League. It's very good for the players and the club."

OUTSTANDING COLLECTIVE BALANCE

"[Florentino and João Neves] were top, but the balance wasn't just in midfield. Our central defenders Nico Otamendi and António Silva did very well, as did Fredrik [Aursnes] and Bah on the wings. For me, the most important thing was the role of the attacking players. They worked hard and supported the midfielders and defenders. We were very compact and very connected, and that's what we have to achieve as a team. We have to attack and defend together. We addressed this before the game and the team gave a very good response. The balance that Florentino and João [Neves] gave us was important, but together with the rest of the teammates."

FLORENTINO'S EXAMPLE 

"We have a lot of options for the position: João Neves, Florentino, Orkun [Kökcü], João Mário. Sometimes the moment is decisive. In my opinion, Florentino is a very important player. Last season he played mainly in the first half of the season and did very well. He was important in winning the league title. When he's not in the eleven, he shows a fantastic attitude, and I like that. He's an example to the other players who aren't in the eleven. Now it's time to play again, and he's put in some top performances in recent games. He's played a fantastic game, he's intelligent, he's always available and that's a good thing."