Di María bent on Benfica success

Angel Di María told uefa.com he feels "it is possible" for SL Benfica to reach the UEFA Champions League knockout stage as they seek wins in both of their remaining Group D fixtures.

'Huge thrill'
The 19-year-old came to Lisbon after starring for Argentina at the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Canada and made his UEFA Champions League debut in the 2-1 defeat against AC Milan at San Siro on Matchday 1. "It was a huge thrill," he told uefa.com. "It was my first match in the UEFA Champions League and thank God I fulfilled my dream. It is the dream all young players are chasing."

Knockout target
However, having achieved that ambition, Di María's next target is to help take Benfica to the knockout phase – something that will not be easy, with his side going into their home game against Milan tonight with just three points from four games. Nonetheless, a win tonight would guarantee them something to play for as they travel to FC Shakhtar Donetsk on Matchday 6.

'Everything's possible'
"Everything's possible," said the winger, who has become a first-team regular under José Antonio Camacho. "We have two matches left and we need to win them both. We know it will be hard to get through but it is possible." With both Celtic FC and Shakhtar level on six points above them and Milan top with nine, all four teams could theoretically finish Matchday 6 on nine points.

Unforgettable assist
That complicated scenario would only be possible if Benfica win both of their remaining games, and having set up their only winning goal in the section so far for Óscar Cardozo at home against Celtic, Di María could be crucial in that aim. "It was a tremendous joy," he said looking back on his assist. "I made the pass for Cardozo and he scored the winning goal. It was a moment I won't forget."

Tough adapting
It also helped boost the teenager's confidence as he admitted to having a tough time adapting to life on a new continent. "It is a different game," he said. "I came after the [U-20] World Cup and have been working hard since. I am developing slowly. As for Benfica, I am astonished at how big the club is. The supporters are just great and everybody helped me when I arrived. The atmosphere in the team is superb and I hope I can win many trophies here."