Jesus has faith in Benfica revival

The Portuguese outfit were defeated in the first leg, but their head coach is optimistic about their chances of turning things around in the return

Jorge Jesus is confident that Benfica have what it takes to make it to the Europa League final at the expense of Fenerbahce.

The Lisbon giants were beaten 1-0 in the first leg in Istanbul but Jesus has little doubt that they can turn things around in Thursday's return tie.

"We are more confident now than we were before because 1-0 is a result we can manage. We'll be better with our fans behind us and I don't think Fenerbahce will be as good here," Jesus said at a press conference.

"We know they have got some good results away but we're stronger at home, so we believe we can reach the final. Our goal is to turn this tie around – 1-0 is a tricky result, but we know and have the confidence that we can go through.

"We have European experience in both the Champions and the Europa Leagues and we know what it's like to be at this stage. We are calm and won't change anything. We are very confident and hope our fans can help us to reach the final – that's what we all want.

"It's good to be in a semi-final and it's important for the club's image, but a final is even better. We're just one game away and the first-leg result allows us to believe that it's possible to make it real."

Thursday's return is scheduled to kick off at 21:05CET.