AGF coach sees path to comeback against Benfica in Europa League playoff

AGF coach Jakob Poulsen remains optimistic about his team's chances of overturning a 3-1 deficit against Benfica in their Europa League playoff tie. Despite the challenging situation after the first leg in Lisbon, Poulsen sees a path to a comeback.

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We are alive, if one can say that. It's not certain we should have been after the first half. But we are.

"We are alive, if one can say that," Poulsen told bold.dk. "It's not certain we should have been after the first half. But we are." He acknowledged the difficulty of facing a top team like Benfica, especially when trailing by two goals. "But now we can, after all, receive them in a week. And who knows if we can score the first goal. Then it might open up," he added.

Should AGF fail to achieve the unlikely result, they have the consolation of dropping into the Conference League group stage. In the first leg, Benfica dominated, scoring early and leading 3-1 by halftime. AGF striker Tobias Bech highlighted the crucial role of goalkeeper Mads Hedenstad, stating, "He is solely responsible for us not being behind by four or five goals at halftime. Great praise for that, and I hope he continues like that."

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But now we can, after all, receive them in a week. And who knows if we can score the first goal. Then it might open up.

AGF's European journey has already seen them eliminated from Champions League qualification earlier in August after a loss to Sabah from Azerbaijan. The team now faces a significant challenge to advance in the Europa League.

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He is solely responsible for us not being behind by four or five goals at halftime. Great praise for that, and I hope he continues like that.