We have to move forward - Sandro

Sandro insists the lads are determined to move on from Saturday's disappointment at Chelsea with a positive performance against Benfica.

Two of the season’s biggest games arrive back-to-back in the space of four days at the Lane – the Portuguese giants in the first leg of our Europa League, Round of 16 tie on Thursday night (8.05pm) followed by the North London derby on Sunday (4pm).

Much has been said about the Premier League loss at Stamford Bridge - now Sandro wants to look forward.

“After a game like that, there is no way you can’t get hurt, we are all hurt,” said the fans’ favourite.

“We all felt sad about that scoreline, and for our supporters.

“That game is in the past and we have to move forward. We now look forward to the next important games. A win can change everything and we want to finish (the season) in style.

“We don’t give up. We know it’s difficult but we are Tottenham, we will go for it.

"It will be hard but after Benfica we have Arsenal and if we win these games, it can change everything. We will never give up.”

Sandro can’t wait for the challenge of Benfica, one of Europe’s famous clubs, currently seven points clear in the Portuguese Premeira Liga and a team that dropped out of the Champions League despite totalling 10 points in the group stages.

“They are a very big club with a lot of tradition,” added the Brazilian midfielder. “They have a fantastic team and a strong midfield.

“We will have a tough match. It will be an important game for me because I have never played against a Portuguese team, so it will be nice to play against them.

“Both teams are strong and anything could happen.”