Camacho rues defensive errors

SL Benfica coach José Antonio Camacho expressed his bitter disappointment with his side's defending after the Portuguese team lost 4-3 to FC Internazionale in the second leg of their UEFA Cup fourth-round tie. "In a competition like the UEFA Cup you cannot give opponents these kind of gifts without being punished," he said.

Tense finish
With the score at 0-0 from the first leg, Benfica actually took the lead on the night through Nuno Gomes before Obafemi Martins grabbed an equaliser just before the break. Inter pulled away to lead 3-1 through Alvaro Recoba and Christian Vieri early in the second half, before Nuno Gomes scored his second of the night. Martins struck again to make it 4-2 before Tiago made it a tense finish.

Thrilling game
A thrilling game it may have been, but Camacho felt his side could easily have secured victory. "In the first half we played much better than them but it is unbelievable how we managed to concede three goals to counterattacks when we were playing away against a side who needed to score," he said.

Benfica battle
"It is impossible to give players like Vieri and Martins so much space," he added. "At least we proved that we fought until the end, trying to score until the final whistle." Benfica certainly did that, and a late goal would have seen the Portuguese visitors through on the away goals rule. Inter hung on however.

Big improvement
Inter coach Alberto Zaccheroni felt his side improved immeasurably from a poor first-half display to run ramapnt after the break. "In the first half we were not aggressive enough," he argued. "Benfica had no problems keeping possession of the ball. In the second half our approach was much better."

Tactical change
That improvement was largely down to the introduction of Recoba on 59 minutes - the Uruguayan forward scoring one and making two for the hosts - and Zaccheroni was happy this gamble paid off. "After the 0-0 draw in the first leg we had to take risks," he said. "So after the break I fielded three forwards and two attacking midfield players. We conceded three goals because our midfield was set to attack, not defend."

Marseille date
Inter now progress to face Olympique de Marseille in the quarter-finals on 8 and 14 April after the French club overcame Liverpool FC 2-1 at the Stade Vélodrome and 3-2 on aggregate. "I know Liverpool better but if Marseille defeated them they must be a strong side," said the Inter coach. "The most important thing is that all the players who are injured will recover for that tie."