Petit vows Santa Clara will stare down title‑hopeful Benfica at home
Santa Clara’s manager Petit addressed the media on Monday, outlining his side’s preparation for the ninth‑round Primeira Liga clash with title‑hopeful Benfica at the Estádio de São Miguel at 18:45, after a surprising defeat to Mafra in the Taça de Portugal, the Azorean hosts aim to defend their strong league position.
Recent setback and resolve
Petit began the briefing by acknowledging the loss to Mafra as the club’s first defeat in a competition other than the league. “We learned the lesson, analysed, corrected, but we have to react,” he said, adding that the team is in a “good phase” and expects a “difficult game” against a strong opponent.
He stressed that Santa Clara will “look in the eyes of Benfica” and fight for a positive reaction in front of their supporters, insisting that the club’s merit and quality justify their current league standing.
Benfica’s firepower and Santa Clara’s strategy
Petit highlighted Benfica’s offensive output, noting that the Lisbon giants have scored 50 goals in 17 league matches, underscoring their status as a title candidate. He also praised his own squad’s defensive cohesion, claiming that, together with FC Porto, Santa Clara possesses the best defence in the competition.
Offensively, he pointed out that Santa Clara rank fifth for created goal‑scoring chances, and he expects a “good game to watch” while maintaining their standard of play.
When asked about the tactical plan, Petit outlined four key phases: defensive and offensive organisation, transitions and set‑pieces. He explained that Benfica operate a 4‑4‑2 with high lines, and Santa Clara will aim to nullify their movements while preserving their own identity.
Addressing the absence of Djé Tavares, Petit listed other quality players such as Daniel Borges, João Vasconcelos and Vitinho, affirming that they understand the team’s ideas on both ends of the pitch.
Concluding, Petit said the match will involve periods of high pressing and moments when Benfica will push Santa Clara back, stressing the need for intensity, aggression and confidence to secure the three points.