March 6, 2008 5:36 PM

SOURCE:
goal.com

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Mantorras: We Can't Give Up

Benfica striker Pedro Mantorras stated after his side's 2-1 home loss to Getafe in the UEFA Cup that fighting spirit could see them through in the second leg...

After Oscar Cardozo's early sending-off and two goals for the visitors, Benfica seemed dead and buried - at least until Mantorras' long-range effort midway through the second half.

Speaking out after the encounter, he told Record, "When things go wrong, we need to fight against adversity. That's what we started to do today, and what we'll continue to do in Spain.

"We're focused on overcoming Getafe. Clearly it's difficult, but it's not impossible. We just need to keep on working and believing."

The Angolan has been at the Estadio da Luz for the better part of a decade, but only enjoys the occasional first-team run-out. Still, coach Jose Antonio Camacho's faith in the striker was repaid tonight with a goal.

"I am here to play and to help the club - I also want to thank the fans, who were fantastic today," added the 25-year-old.

Refusing to comment on Oscar Cardozo's red card, he concluded, "These things are just part of football."