Benfica coach Jorge Jesus has called on his players to lay the ghost of an astonishing seven successive defeats in European finals to rest when they face Sevilla in Wednesday’s Europa League final.
Jesus has steered Benfica to the Portuguese league title, victory in the League Cup and a May 18 final in the Portuguese Cup to put the lisbon side within sight of an historic quadruple haul of trophies.
But although mastering one final so far this season – last week’s win against Rio Ave in the League Cup – has given his side an element of serenity, Jesus knows that achievement could mean little if they don’t shake off a 52-year-old hoodoo.
Since winning a second consecutive European Cup in 1962, Benfica have stumbled at the last hurdle in seven further European finals — five times in the European Cup, once in the UEFA Cup (1983) and once in its successor, the Europa League (2013).
The memory of last year’s defeat to Chelsea in Amsterdam has been partly erased by domestic achievements this campaign.
But despite claiming most of his players are blissfully ignorant of the club’s chequered European history, Jesus knows it’s time to set the record straight.
“I don’t think we can talk about any kind of curse,” Jesus told reporters at Juventus Stadium on Tuesday.
“Most of the players don’t even know about these statistics. It’s folklore.
“In saying that, it’s something that motivates us further and gives us strength.
“One day this streak is going to be broken. We have to put the ghost to rest. Let’s hope it is tomorrow.”
– Nervous –
Benfica captain Luisao has led by example in the Portuguese giants’ route to the final, notably heading off the line when ‘keeper Jan Oblak was stranded to help secure a scoreless draw in the decisive second leg of their semi-final tie away to Juventus.
Luisao admits to having pre-match butterflies, but the sour taste of last year’s defeat has the towering Brazilian centre-back relishing a different outcome.
“We’re all feeling a little nervous but that is a good sign, it means we’re up for the challenge and motivated to get the match started,” said Luisao.
“Last year we weren’t seen as favourites. And although this year people see us as favourites from the outside, both sides have gone through a lot to make it to the final.
“We’ve been tested, but we’re all feeling comfortable and ready to give everything. I know what it feels like to win a final (domestic) with Benfica, and I’d be more than happy to experience that tomorrow.
“We believe that we can win.”
Spanish striker Rodrigo, meanwhile, warned of Sevilla’s potency — and against any feeling that his side’s successes so far this season means they can rest on their laurels.
“Of course being here, after wining two trophies, makes us feel more relaxed about things. But tomorrow is a new game, a new final. We start from zero,” said Rodrigo.
“Sevilla are here because they deserve to be. No one gets to a final by luck. They have great players so it’s going to be a very interesting game, but we’ll be doing our best to make sure we finally get our hands on the trophy.”