Marco Silva states what he told his Benfica players about Celtic at half-time amid Hoops ‘pressure’

Benfica manager Marco Silva revealed he warned his squad at half-time to expect a strong reaction from Celtic, despite holding a 3-0 lead. Silva explained that Celtic are a quality team accustomed to pressure and winning, which meant their dressing room talk would not be easy. Benfica went on to secure a 4-1 victory in Lisbon, leaving Celtic without a point after two Europa League matches.

Celtic pulled a goal back in the second half through Camilo Duran, who also hit the woodwork, before Benfica added a fourth. Writer Amir Mir argued that Silva's assessment of a totally fair victory was accurate, dismissing Celtic manager Martin O'Neill and captain Callum McGregor's view that it was a game of two halves.