Benfica big on boys from Brazil

SL Benfica defender Anderson is convinced his side will be back in the UEFA Champions League next season - even if they miss out on second place in the Superliga this weekend. "Direct qualification is a bit complicated but we can reach the group stage even if we have to go through a qualifying round," he told uefa.com. "This year Benfica reached the quarter-finals when nobody believed we would and I'm looking forward to playing in the UEFA Champions League again. I think we can do even better next season."

'Last chance'
Anderson played alongside Alcides, Léo and Luisão in Benfica's impressive all-Brazilian back four that helped propel the Lisbon club to the last eight of the UEFA Champions League. In the league, however, Benfica have stuttered and now need Sporting Clube de Portugal to slip-up at the weekend if they are to have a chance of a direct return to the group stage. Sporting need just one point from their final game at home against SC Braga to be sure of finishing second behind champions FC Porto. Benfica must win at FC Paços de Ferreira to have any chance of avoiding the third qualifying round. "We have a last chance to achieve direct qualification to the group stage and we will do our best," Alcides told uefa.com. "Then we will see if Sporting lose against Braga."

'Confident'
Sporting have given their neighbours a helping hand in the past. Their 1-0 defeat at the Estádio da Luz in the penultimate game last season let Benfica snatch the title at the death. Sporting lost against PFC CSKA Moskva in the UEFA Cup final days later and finished third in the league. Sporting have won both of their ties against Benfica this season meaning that Ronald Koeman's men must beat them on points to claim the group stage berth. "Even if we have to play a qualifying match to reach the group stage next year I'm confident we'll progress," Léo said. "Benfica are a very big side and command much more respect in Europe. We must not fear our opponents. Our opponents have good reason to fear us."

'Feel at home'
A main reason for that is the strength of the back four. "Of course it helps when the defenders are from one country but the communication between the whole team has been decisive when it comes to the positioning of the defensive line," Léo added. Having his compatriots alongside him has certainly helped Anderson in his first season in Europe. "I came here just one year ago but with the help of the other players I have adapted well. European football is very different but I think I have done a good job. Besides that Portugal is a wonderful country to live in. We speak the same language, the weather is fine and the food is delicious." If Benfica can improve upon their UEFA Champions League performance of this season, their Brazilian defence might find even more reason to feel at home.