# Marco Silva Analyzes Benfica's Europa League Victory Over Lech Poznan Manager discusses tactical risks, player competition, and Cristiano Ronaldo's legacy after 3-1 win. - **Source:** [Record](https://www.record.pt) - **Published:** 2026-11-05 - **Topic:** [sports](https://brifing.si/c/sports) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/053c6be6-e8eb-4e05-9ca7-79b51603c05b ## Tactical Victory at Home Benfica secured a 3-1 victory against Lech Poznan in the fourth matchday of the Europa League. Marco Silva emphasized that the win was entirely deserved, highlighting the team's control during the first half. Despite late defensive instability, the squad maintained offensive pressure, creating multiple scoring opportunities through players like Durán and Schjelderup. ## Courage Versus Tactical Risk Addressing criticism regarding defensive play, Silva defended his team's build-up philosophy. He argued that playing out from the back is a courageous choice rather than a reckless risk. While a specific error led to a goal, the manager maintains that balanced decision-making remains the core objective for his goalkeeper, Trubin, during matches. ## Managing Squad Competition Silva addressed the intense competition for starting positions, specifically mentioning Kaminski and Prestianni. He noted that while some players have secured their spots through consistent performance, others must remain ready to capitalize on opportunities. The manager stressed that his decisions are based on current form and the physical demands of the season. ## Communication on the Pitch The manager highlighted the importance of on-field communication, particularly among central midfielders like Manu and Sudakov. Silva expects these players to guide their teammates during high-pressure moments when direct feedback from the bench is difficult. This internal coordination is essential for maintaining the team's tactical structure throughout the ninety minutes of play. ## European Mindset Shift Competing in European tournaments requires a distinct mental shift compared to domestic league matches. Silva noted that his players must adapt quickly to different opponents and styles of play. He emphasized that securing early qualification is a priority to avoid additional fixtures, which could prove crucial during the demanding later stages of the season. ## Reflecting on Cristiano Ronaldo When asked about Cristiano Ronaldo, Silva praised the forward's immense contribution to Portuguese football. He stated that Ronaldo’s legacy is undeniable and that his recent career decisions deserve respect from all. Silva noted that it is impossible to discuss the history of football in Portugal without acknowledging Ronaldo's significant global impact. ## In-Game Management Lessons Silva admitted that his tactical substitutions following the 2-0 lead may have inadvertently caused instability. By prioritizing the upcoming Sunday match and resting Tomás Araújo, the team lost some defensive cohesion. He acknowledged that these moments serve as learning opportunities for the coaching staff to better manage game flow and player fatigue. ## Future Strategic Outlook With four consecutive victories in the league phase, Benfica is in a strong position. Silva remains focused on the next match as the most important challenge. The team continues to refine its tactical tools despite a congested schedule, aiming to maintain consistency and secure direct qualification for the next round of competition. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.record.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-betclic/benfica/detalhe/20261105-224520-em-direto-siga-a-conferencia-de-imprensa-de-marco-silva — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._