Playing Defense is the main factor for his team to win from Ajax Amsterdam, Says Nicolas Otamendi

Successfully suppressed Ajax Amsterdam's resistance in the last 16 of the 2021-2022 Champions League. The Portuguese club ended the match with a narrow 1-0 score against Ajax on Wednesday, March 16, 2022, early this morning.

Nicolas Otamendi, one of Benfica's veteran defenders, revealed the key to his team's success in winning from the Dutch champion. He said playing defensively was the main factor for his team to win.

Furthermore, Benfica have known that playing defensively must be done against Ajax. The reason is, De Godenzonen (Ajax's nickname) is considered to have good quality players to carry out attacks.

"We managed to defend well, together. We know it's important to try not to leave space for Ajax, they have great players," said Nicolas Otamendi as quoted by the BBC, Wednesday (16/3/2022).

Benfica finally took the lead in the 77th minute. Goals created by Darwin Nunez, with a counter-attack pattern. They further tightened the defense after being able to beat Ajax in that match.

"Then, more than ever, after the goal, it was to defend the result. I am more than happy that we achieved the goal."

Even so, Otamendi is not quickly satisfied with the results obtained by Benfica at this time. He ensures that he will continue to do his best to continue to win the next match.

"Let's look for more. The Champions League is a different competition. With great games, against great teams. Tonight we played a great game."