Rueful Rodríguez fans Benfica flame

Cristián Rodríguez said it was "not over for [SL] Benfica" despite a 1-0 home defeat by FC Shakhtar Donetsk leaving them with no points from two games.

'The better chances'
While Shakhtar's Brazilian midfielder Jadson was taking the plaudits for scoring the only goal of the game following pass from countryman Fernandinho after 42 minutes at the Estádio Sport de Lisboa e Benfica, Rodríguez – a summer signing from Paris Saint-Germain FC – was bemoaning his side's inefficient finishing. "We did have a lot of chances, and we created the better chances. Clearly we just didn't have a lucky night," he said.

'Not over'
The Uruguayan wide man, who celebrated his 22nd birthday at the weekend, came close to scoring after just three minutes when his raking shot was tipped wide by Shakhtar goalkeeper Andriy Pyatov and his intelligent passing was at the heart of much of Benfica's first-half pressure. He maintains that, despite their sluggish start, the Lisbon giants still have a chance of reaching the knockout stage as they prepare for a double-header against Celtic FC. "No, it's not over for Benfica," he insisted. "It's not going to be a pushover. We need to win the next game [at home against Celtic], but it's possible."

'A big result'
Jadson, meanwhile, was thrilled to have upset the form book in Lisbon. The only side in Group D never to have won the European Champion Clubs' Cup, Mircea Lucescu's men had come to expect a mighty battle and were thrilled to emerge victorious. "We knew Benfica are a big team," said the 24-year-old attacking midfielder. "Rui Costa, for example is a great player. Without doubt, this is a big result for our team."