Benfica's Renato Sanches Returns From Injury For Champions League Match Against Feyenoord

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Benfica's head coach, Bruno Lage, confirmed that Renato Sanches will return from injury for the Champions League match against Feyenoord. Sanches had been sidelined with a hamstring injury, missing six games, including victories over Red Star Belgrade and Atletico Madrid. "Let's be very clear about this, because we have nothing to hide. Renato has been doing a lot of work," Lage stated.

Sanches began his career at Benfica as a promising young talent. His move to Bayern Munich at 18 marked a significant step, but he struggled to find consistency. Since then, he has played for Swansea City, Lille, Paris Saint-Germain, and Roma. This season, he returned to Benfica on loan from the French club.

Lage also mentioned that Leandro Barreiro would not play against Feyenoord due to a thigh injury. The team is otherwise in good shape for the upcoming match. Benfica's recent form has been impressive, with six consecutive wins, including a notable 4-0 victory over Atletico Madrid earlier this month.

Lage emphasised the importance of preparation and strategy in their recent success. "It is important to highlight that the work we did ahead of the Atletico match happens for every game," he explained. The team analyses past performances and studies opponents meticulously to build confidence and execute their game plan effectively.

Returning to Benfica after Roger Schmidt's departure last month, Lage brings experience from his time managing Wolves in the Premier League during the 2021-22 season. Reflecting on his tenure in England, Lage noted that it provided valuable lessons: "My time in the Premier League gave me experience that I didn't have before."

The coach believes that learning comes from evaluating both opponents and one's own team. This approach helps him refine strategies and improve performance continuously. As Benfica prepares for their next challenge against Feyenoord, they aim to maintain their winning momentum in the Champions League.

Benfica's recent achievements reflect their dedication and strategic planning under Lage's leadership. With Sanches returning to action and a strong squad ready for competition, they are poised for another exciting encounter on Wednesday night.