Benfica coach Rui Vitoria is looking no further than getting through the Champions League group stage.
Last season, after easing into the last 16 as runners-up to eventual finalists Atletico Madrid, they went out in the quarter-finals to Bayern Munich following a 2-2 home draw after losing 1-0 in Germany.
Grouped with Napoli, Besiktas and Dynamo Kiev this season, Vitoria is taking nothing for granted as they kick off at home to the Turkish club.
"It is a balanced group, difficult, and one where I believe everyone will have hope," said the Benfica boss in an interview with UEFA.
"Our goal is so simple; pass the group stage and work step by step.
"A team like ours has to realise where it is placed on this assembly line; clubs in Portugal are not the end of the line."
Despite his pragmatic approach Vitoria has drawn confidence from the way his side equipped themselves in the latter stages last season.
"It was important to believe that nothing is impossible," he added.
"It is possible to fight the giants of Europe and enjoy the Champions League as a form of motivation.
"We looked at the competition and believed that it was possible to win and overcome obstacles."
Vitoria has injury concerns over Jonas (ankle), Raul Jimenez (knee) and Kostas Mitroglou (foot) as did Rafa Silva (thigh), who picked up a thigh complaint at the weekend.
Besiktas are second in the Tukish Super Lig after two wins and a draw but coach Senol Gunes is confident there is plenty more to come from his side as they return to the Champions League after a six-year absence.
"We have not reached our full potential yet but improving every other match," he told a press conference.
"Our Champions League group match with Benfica will be a good test for us."
Source: PA
