Hugo laments first leg defeat

Hugo Lloris labelled Thursday night’s Europa League reverse against Benfica as ‘a big disappointment’ and vented his frustration at conceding twice following set-pieces.

Luisao added to Rodrigo’s opener for the visitors in our round of 16 tie when he headed home from a corner, before lashing in his side’s third late in the game after Hugo had saved Ezequiel Garay’s header from Nicolas Gaitan’s free-kick.

Our passionate goalkeeper was typically open and honest when assessing the first leg defeat, claiming that the Portuguese league leaders were worthy winners on the night.

“I think Benfica deserved this victory,” Hugo said. “You can’t expect something more when you concede two goals on set pieces.

“It put us in trouble and after that we opened the game up and Benfica used the space. We didn’t create enough chances tonight so it’s a big disappointment.”

Hugo praised Christian Eriksen after the Dane smashed home another fine free-kick which gave us a real shot in the arm as we pulled it back to 2-1, but the stopper demanded more from the whole team in next week’s return leg in Portugal.

“After we went 2-0 down Christian scored an incredible free-kick and he helped us to stay in the game,” the Frenchman continued.

“But after that we conceded from another set piece.

“The Europa League at this stage of the competition is high level. It’s like a Champions League game and we have to do more.”