Benfica defender reveals what it is like to face star Barcelona forward – ‘A terrible headache’ | OneFootball

Benfica centre-back Tomas Araujo addressed the media ahead of the crucial UEFA Champions League round of 16 second-leg clash against Barcelona.

He said that the Portuguese side will approach the match with a relaxed mindset, without feeling the weight of pressure.

They are confident in their abilities and believe they can secure a positive result by sticking to their style of play and making the most of their opportunities in front of goal.

“We will play without pressure, we are prepared, we are confident and we hope to get the win by playing our football and converting the chances we have.

“We have to have confidence in ourselves, we have created many chances in recent games and if we do it again we can get a great result against Barcelona,” he began saying.

Previous meetings with Barcelona

Tomas Araujo is ready to face Barcelona. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)

Araujo also acknowledged the differences between this fixture and their previous encounters with Barcelona in Lisbon, noting that the circumstances were not the same.

However, he underlined that the key remains the same—creating goal-scoring opportunities and capitalising on them.

“They were different games, in different contexts, in which we created chances and that is what we have to do again now,” he added.

Facing Raphinha

Having faced Raphinha twice before, Araujo admitted that the Barcelona winger is one of the toughest opponents he has come up against.

The Brazilian’s speed, dribbling, and unpredictability make him a constant threat, but the Benfica defender is prepared for the challenge should he be called upon to play.

“He is the most difficult player, without a doubt, he is a terrible headache, but I am ready for this challenge if I go out to play,” he noted.

Source: Mundo Deportivo