Inter President Steven Zhang is expecting an intense and high-energy match in this evening’s Champions League quarterfinal first leg clash with Benfica.

Speaking to InterTV ahead of the match, via FCInterNews, the Nerazzurri President emphasized what a massive opportunity it is for the team to be playing in the latter stages of the Champions League.

The Nerazzurri are now only a couple of hours away from kicking off one of the most important matches of their season.

In the two-legged tie beginning with this evening’s clash at the Estadio da Luz, the Nerazzurri will have the opportunity to make it to the final four of Europe’s biggest club competition.

However, high-flying Benfica have proven to be extremely formidable opposition, and will be just as motivated by sensing what an opportunity they too have before them.

Accordingly, it can be expected to be a highly-charged match, and the tempo could well get frantic as both teams look to put everything into it and try to secure a spot in the penultimate stage of the competition.

For his part, Zhang said that “I’m expecting a match full of energy.”

“The Champions League is one of the most important competitions in the world, it brings out a lot of passion from the fans, the club, and the players,” he continued.

Zhang noted that “This is a great opportunity for us to put in a great performance.”

“Reaching the quarter-finals has been an incredible experience and a great opportunity, we want to take advantage of it by giving the fans who’ve come here to Lisbon a match full of energy.”

Zhang also observed that “I had the opportunity to walk around Lisbon for two hours, it’s incredible and has an impressive atmosphere.”

“People who come here fall in love with the culture, the food…” he added.

“Obviously the fans will make the match even more competitive, I hope to see a great match.”