Benfica head coach Jose Mourinho believes Real Madrid will respond fiercely when the two sides meet again in the Champions League, following last month’s dramatic encounter between the clubs.
The Portuguese team secured a stunning 4-2 triumph over the Spanish giants in the final game of the league phase, a result that guaranteed their place in the playoffs. The decisive moment came in extraordinary fashion when goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin scored with a header in the 98th minute.
That loss saw Madrid slip from third to ninth in the standings, missing out on automatic qualification. The 15-time European champions were left reeling after the defeat in Lisbon.
Mourinho, who previously managed Real Madrid, described his former side as hurt but dangerous. He said a wounded king can pose an even greater threat and stressed that his players are aware of the challenge ahead.
First leg at Estadio da Luz set for tough battle
Benfica, currently third in Portugal’s Primeira Liga, will host the opening leg at the Estadio da Luz on Tuesday at 20:00 GMT.
In the previous meeting, the Portuguese club appeared to be heading out of the competition despite holding a 3-2 advantage late on, with progression hanging on goals scored.
Deep into added time, and with Real reduced to nine men after Raul Asencio and Rodrygo were dismissed, Benfica earned a free kick. Trubin went forward and headed beyond Thibaut Courtois to seal a remarkable victory.
Mourinho acknowledged that the upcoming tie will be extremely demanding. He added that Trubin would not be joining the attack at the Luz this time and insisted that experience has taught him there is no decisive outcome in a first leg.
Confidence high despite Madrid’s domestic form
The success over Madrid marked Mourinho’s first win against his former club and ensured Benfica advanced to the knockout rounds despite losing their opening four league-phase fixtures.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, arrive in strong domestic form. They sit at the top of La Liga, holding a two-point advantage over Barcelona in second place.
Mourinho emphasised that his team will approach the first leg with focus, belief, and ambition, fully aware of what they achieved against the most successful club in Champions League history.