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Returning to Lisbon always 'special' for Nélson Semedo

In an interview with UEFA, the Portuguese defender and former Benfica player says the defence will be 'key' against Bayern Munich

Friday's Barça v Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter final will be special for many reason, especially so for Barça defender Nélson Semedo. The Portuguese international was born in Lisbon and before joining Barça he played for local giants Benfica. The full back casts his eye over the crucial clash against the German club in an interview with UEFA: 

Barça v Bayern

“We know how they set up and how they play from the back, we will be attentive." 

"More than anything we will focus on ourselves and putting in the best performance possible and scoring. If we play well we will have a chance to reach the semi finals." 

"One of the keys will be at the back and not giving them chances." 

"We will not be able to have the ball all the time as they won't want to defend all the time. We have to have the ball as much as possible because that is the best way to defend. We will play our match with our style." 

Personal feelings

“We have positive pressure to win everything. This season we were not able to win the league but we have the chance to win the Champions League and it's a great motivation." 

“I would be very happy to win the trophy in the Estadio do Sport, that would be the cherry on the cake." 

Leo Messi

“When he gets the ball and I behind him, I know he is capable of the impossible, as he did against Napoli at Camp Nou." 

“Normally I play behind him and it's amazing to see what he does. When he takes free kicks and I am behind him with a perfect view. He's an incredible player." 

Lisbon

“Lisbon is a great place in many ways: the people, the colours, the language, the architecture. It's one of the nicest places in the world, not just in Europe. The climate is great as well. It's a spectacular city." 

"I started to play football on the streets of Lisbon with my neighbours and people older than me. Little by little I got better and better and I grew which helped. It will be a special match as Lisbon is where everything started and the doors opened for me in footballing terms." 

“The Estádio do Sport is really nice and has room for 65,000 fans. There is the red of Benfica and the famous eagle that lives at the stadium. The ground has its own energy and history and it's a great place to play football." 

Barça v Bayern: Match Center
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