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Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Marcelo Allende has admitted there was a palpable sense of relief at the club after securing qualification for the knockout phase of the CAF Champions League.
The Brazilians left it late, needing a decisive victory over MC Alger in their final group stage clash at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday to book their place in the quarterfinals.
Allende insists that despite a turbulent campaign, last season’s finalists ultimately deserved their spot among the last eight.
"I am so happy for my team and all the players who played. Ja, we are in the next stage and we await our next opponent I am very happy to win at home with our people. I think we need to win more games like this for our people [supporters], our families, and for us as the club," said Allende
Sundowns are likely to face Pyramids, Al Ahly or Stade Malien when the draw is conducted later today. Allende says this phase of the tournament is now the “real Champions League”.
"We know it's tough in CAF. We have to play against teams that are very strong at home. We struggled in the last two games, but we are here – we fought and we are in the next stage. It's very important for the club. Now it's the knokout stages, where we play two legs, and this is where the 'real' Champions League begins."
Allende also weighed in on the performance of Colombian striker Bryan 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 so happy for him. We know his quality and he shows on the pitch. He needs to keep going, stay healthy, and he can help us a lot."
The midfielder accepts there’s an expectation at Sundowns, especially from their fans, to win every game ahead of their top of the table clash with Betway Premiership log leaders Orlando Pirates on Wednesday.
