Idman.biz
"I have watched Araz-Nakhchivan's matches in the Champions League this season. I am glad that the team has returned to where it belongs. Because they have a great history in Azerbaijani futsal."
These words were said by the Brazilian former head coach of the Azerbaijani national futsal team and "Araz-Nakhchivan" team, Joze Alesio, while talking about the match that the Nakhchivan representative will play against the Portuguese club "Benfica" in the 1/8 final stage of the UEFA Champions League.
He stated that the Lisbon representative is a difficult opponent: "The team won the gold medals of the Portuguese league last season by overthrowing "Sporting", which has dominated the championship for many years. The head coach of this team is my friend and former teammate. Currently, the Lisbon representative is in excellent form. The team has been progressing with the same philosophy for about two years. "Benfica" is a team with good technical quality, physical strength, intensity and mobility. These factors make it difficult for any opponent. If "Araz-Nakhchivan" wants a successful result in the first match, they must play well," he said in a statement to AZERTAC.
The Brazilian expert emphasized the development of Portuguese futsal: "It is no coincidence that Portugal has become the world and European champion, leaving behind Brazil and Spain, which are considered futsal countries. Portuguese futsal has developed significantly over the years."
It should be noted that the "Araz-Nakhchivan" - "Benfica" match, which will be held at the Baku Sports Palace, will start at 20:00. The return match between the teams will take place on December 5. The winner of this pair will face the stronger of the AEK (Greece) - "Sporting" (Portugal) duel in the 1/4 finals.
