Ivone Castro: “A challenge we face with respect”

GCR Nun’Álvares host SL Benfica this Saturday, 31 October, at 20:00, at the Grupo Nun’Álvares Sports Hall, in matchday 6 of the Liga Feminina Placard. The Fafe girls are second, with 13 points from five games, while the reds top the table, also on 13 points, separated only by goal difference.

A demanding challenge

Nun’Álvares assistant coach Ivone Castro acknowledges the demands of the match: “This week we face one of the most demanding challenges of the championship, against Benfica, in a game that pits two teams at the top of the table against each other, with the same points and separated only by goal difference. It is a match of great importance, which will certainly demand the best from both teams. Benfica are a team of enormous quality, with experienced players, technical ability and the means to fight for their goals. We know it will be a difficult opponent, but we are also aware of the quality and the work we have been developing.”

Approach to the game

On the approach to the match, the coach points to the decisive details: “For us, we see this encounter as an opportunity to show our worth against a direct rival. We know it will be an intense game, in which the ability to compete, efficiency and intelligence in how we manage each moment will be decisive. We want to be a brave team, capable of taking on responsibility and seizing the chances that come our way.”

Commitment

She made the commitment clear: “We believe in our work and in the strength of the group, but we know we will face a high-quality opponent and a game that will demand a lot from us. It is a challenge we face with respect, aware of the difficulties and with the desire to give our best on the pitch. We want to compete at our level, enjoy the demands of this type of game and do everything within our reach to win the three points.”