**Eduardo Camavinga urged his Real Madrid teammates to “attack and defend together” as they seek a first-leg win against Benfica in the UEFA Champions League play-offs on Tuesday.**
[The sides met in this competition just three weeks ago](https://share.fromthespot.co.uk/article/benfica-4-2-real-madrid-goalkeeper-trubin-condemns-madrid-to-champions-league-playoffs), with Anatoliy Trubin’s dramatic late goal seeing _los Blancos_ drop out of the top eight in the league phase as Benfica rose into the play-off places on goal difference.
Speaking in a pre-match press conference, Camavinga admitted that Real Madrid “didn’t play well in Lisbon, but \[on Tuesday\] we have to produce a great performance for the fans.
“The most important thing is to do things well as a team and not change our routine. We have to play a good match together. We need to change our mentality and attack and defend together,” the Frenchman explained.
The 23-year-old, who signed for Real Madrid from Stade Rennais in 2021, also reflected on his personal performances and career growth ahead of the tie.
“I like playing as a number six, but I know I lack consistency.
“I need to stay more focused on the pitch because sometimes I make mistakes, but I’m aware of that and it’s what I need to improve on at the moment.”
Asked about the criticism he has faced, he quipped: “Whether you do things well or badly, people will criticise. You have to stay focused on your work and I don’t pay attention to the criticism.
“It’s normal in this job and I don’t let it affect me. It doesn’t make me sad – it gives me more strength to keep working.
“I’m very proud of what I’ve done in my life so far, although I want to achieve more. I’m sure my family is very happy, and when I play I do it to make my family happy. I have to continue like this to bring joy to my family and to everyone who watches me play.”
Benfica v Real Madrid gets underway at 20:00 GMT on Tuesday 17 February.