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Champions League | Playoff Round
Aug 27, 2014 at 7.45pm UK
 
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Rafael Benitez: 'Napoli under no pressure against Athletic Bilbao'

Rafael Benitez believes that the pressure is on Athletic Bilbao ahead of Napoli's Champions League meeting with the Spaniards on Wednesday.

Napoli manager Rafael Benitez has insisted that his side are under no pressure ahead of Wednesday's Champions League clash with Athletic Bilbao.

After being held to a 1-1 draw in the first leg of their playoff, Napoli now face a battle to reach the group stages as they look for a positive result in Spain, but Benitez believes that a defeat would be far more damaging for Bilbao.

"For Napoli, nothing changes whether we win or lose," the Spaniard told reporters. "Going out would not be a tragedy.

"This a work in progress and we are developing, we'll keep improving the club's structure for the future and for all other competitions.

"I know Athletic have been out of the Champions League for 16 years, they have little to lose because they feel they have succeeded already, but they also have a lot to lose as they are very close to qualifying. That can create nervousness and anxiety."

Napoli were knocked out of the group stages of last season's competition.

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Napoli head coach Rafael Benitez gestures during the Serie A match between AS Roma and SSC Napoli at Stadio Olimpico on October 18, 2013
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