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Neil Lennon: 'Benfica are not easy pushovers'

Lennon wary of Benfica threat
© PA Photos
Celtic manager Neil Lennon warns his side against taking Benfica lightly and highlights the individual talent their Portuguese opponents have.

Celtic manager Neil Lennon believes that his side need to be defensively at their best in order to defeat Benfica on Tuesday.

The Scottish champions are in Lisbon for their Champions League Group G clash against the Portuguese giants.

"We have to be defensively at our best and attack when we can," he said. "If we fail to qualify now, it would be a wasted opportunity. But the job is not yet done.

"Nemanja Matic has been very important for Benfica. The full-backs and centre-backs too [are important]. [Lorenzo] Melgarejo is fantastic. I know Lima well from the time we faced Braga.

"Also Oscar Cardozo is a terrific striker, but Benfica are not just about individuals. They are strong as a team and don't lose their identity when the coach changes some players."

Celtic are currently second in Group G with seven points from four matches, three points ahead of third-place Benfica.

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Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
Championship Group
1Celtic000080265478
2RangersRangers000072234975
3Hearts000046341262
4Kilmarnock00004334951
5St Mirren00003843-543
6Dundee00004454-1041
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1Hibernian00004451-739
2Motherwell00004651-537
3Aberdeen00003549-1435
4St Johnstone00002446-2231
5Ross County00003256-2430
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1Celtic33246380265478
2RangersRangers33243672234975
3Hearts33195946341262
4Kilmarnock33131284334951
5St Mirren33127143843-543
6Dundee331011124454-1041
7Hibernian33912124451-739
8Motherwell33813124651-537
9Aberdeen33811143549-1435
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