against Inter in a match of historic importance for both sides.
The teams have drawn their last eight matches, playing in pairs in a wide-open half of the draw, which also sees Inter’s Serie A rivals Napoli and Milan.
Any one of these four teams could hope to make it all the way to the final, a stage in which Benfica previously played Inter.
The only previous encounter between teams in the European Cup was in the 1965 final, which Inter won 1–0 at the San Siro.
Benfica will return to Milan next week, but first they have to play the first leg in Lisbon against an Inter team that has not won in six matches in all competitions.
Schmidt was told that Inter’s form could make Benfica the favourites, but the seriousness of the game was his main concern.
“Let’s see if it’s profitable or not. A draw is a draw,” said the Benfica coach. “Both teams are good and deserve to be here, there is no doubt about that.
“Just look at their team. These are experienced players with such high quality.
“This is a special game, also for the players. I hope my players will be more motivated because it’s a big game, but I also expect the same from the Inter players.
“They will be ready, they will cause difficulties, and we must find solutions and accept the history of the game.
“We have to try to show a good game tomorrow and in the second leg in Milan.”