Jesus: We deserved to win

19 October 2011 15:41

Benfica coach Jorge Jesus has stressed that his side deserved their win over Basel in the Champions League on Tuesday.

The Portuguese side went two goals up in Switzerland courtesy of Bruno Cesar and Oscar Cardozo, and withstood increasing pressure in the closing stages of the game to pick up the full three points.

"We deserved to win, at least for 80 minutes. We had some problems late on with Emerson sent off, Nicolas Gaitan injured and other players at their physical limit, but in general we did very well," Jesus said.

"Basel pushed in those final 10 minutes but we managed to control things - our central defenders were very strong."

The 2-0 win leaves Benfica on top of Group C with seven points, but Jesus said that a spot in the last 16 was by no means assured.

"I don't believe that qualification is near and there are three teams (Benfica, Basel and Manchester United) fighting for it," he said. "We have three more points than Basel - and that's nothing."

Manchester United are second on five points, with Basel following in third and Otelul Galati completing the group.