Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Marcelo Allende has admitted there was a feeling of relief at the club after securing qualification for the knockout stage of the CAF Champions League.
The Brazilians left it all late, needing a decisive win over MC Algeria in their final group stage encounter at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday to book their place in the quarter-finals.
Allende insisted that despite the tumultuous campaign, last season's finalists ultimately deserved their place in the last eight.
“I am very happy for my team and all the players who played. Yes, we are in the next stage and we are waiting for our next opponent. I am very happy to win at home with my people. I think we need to win more games like this for our people (supporters), our families and for us as a club,” Allende said.
Sundowns are likely to face Pyramids, Al Ahly or Stade Malien when the draw is made later today. Allende says this stage of the tournament is now the “real Champions League”.
“We know it is difficult in CAF. We have to play against teams that are very strong on home soil. We struggled in the last two games, but here we are – we fought and we are in the next stage. This is very important for the club. Now it is the knockout stage, where we play two stages, and this is where the 'real' Champions League begins.”
Allende also took note of the performance of Colombian striker Brian Leon, who scored twice in the win over MC Alger.
“He has scored a lot of goals in the last five or six games and I am very happy for him. We know his quality and he shows it on the pitch. He needs to keep going, stay healthy and he can help us a lot.”
The midfielder admits there is an expectation from Sundowns, especially their fans, to win every game ahead of Wednesday's clash with top-of-the-table Betway Premiership log leaders Orlando Pirates.