Benfica coach Roger Schmidt was not happy with the decisions by English referee Michael Oliver in the Champions League quarter-final defeat to Inter.
The game at the Estadio da Luz was decided by a Nicolò Barella header and Romelu Lukaku penalty, giving a big advantage going into the second leg at San Siro on April 19.
“It was a tough game and I think both teams had their chances, but unfortunately we did not take ours,” Schmidt told Eleven Sports.
“We stayed in the game, the players gave their all, then we conceded a second from a penalty. This is the story of the game.”
The penalty was awarded after a VAR on-field review for the Joao Mario handling offence on a Denzel Dumfries cross.
“I think we were unlucky with the refereeing decisions, because I don’t believe that was a penalty, while we should’ve had at least one in our favour.”
He was referring to a very tricky clearance that Alessandro Bastoni made in the box, but the footage suggests he got the ball, albeit by putting his foot between the legs of the Benfica player to get there.
“Obviously, a home defeat is not good, but it is just the first act. We must always believe in ourselves. Inter played with greater efficiency and we must do the same next week. I believe we can win in Milan.”
Schmidt was missing suspended Nicolas Otamendi, injured Alexander Bah, Gonçalo Guedes and Julian Draxler, but he only made one substitution during the match.
“That was my decision. The players on the field did well and we created a great chance in the final minutes.”
Benfica had been unbeaten in the Champions League so far this season, topping the group ahead of Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain, scoring in every game and drawing only 1-1 both home and away with PSG.
They are still clear at the top of their domestic league table, but the run of 10 consecutive victories was ended on Friday by a 2-1 defeat to FC Porto, so this loss too risks sending their season off the rails.