Benfica manager José Mourinho has warned his players about a dangerous Real Madrid side ahead of their Champions League playoff clash. The Portuguese coach believes the Spanish giants will be “wounded” and “dangerous” as they aim to qualify for the round of 16.
“If winning against Real Madrid once is difficult, imagine the difficulty of winning two or three times, and that’s what we have to do,” Mourinho said during a press conference on Monday, as reported by Sky News Arabia. “A big team when they lose, they are wounded and dangerous.”
Mourinho, who has a decorated history managing top clubs, added, “I know this feeling well, and I have lived it many times, because I was lucky enough to perform with big teams throughout my career.”
Real Madrid secured a 4-1 victory over Real Sociedad on Sunday without Kylian Mbappé, who was sidelined due to muscle pain, but the French star has since returned to training and is expected to be available for the match against Benfica. However, Raúl Asensio and Rodrygo will be unavailable due to suspension following red cards in the previous match against the Portuguese side.
Despite his warning about Real Madrid’s threat, Mourinho reaffirmed his commitment to Benfica, stating he could turn down an offer from his former club. CNN Arabic reports that Mourinho emphasized his dedication to the Portuguese side, saying, “I have given everything for Real Madrid. I did good things and bad things, but I gave my best, and people respect me for that, with my successes and my mistakes.”
“When someone leaves a club with those feelings, I think there is always a connection,” he continued. “The fans have a lot of appreciation for me, and that’s wonderful, but I don’t want to fuel non-existent stories.”
Mourinho similarly stated that Benfica isn’t simply aiming for a win, but to repeat their previous success against Real Madrid and compete for the Champions League title. Sport360 adds that Mourinho believes Benfica doesn’t require a “miracle” to advance in the competition.
The first leg of the Champions League playoff between Benfica and Real Madrid is scheduled for Tuesday. This match marks a crucial stage in the competition, with the winner advancing to the round of 16. The stakes are high as both teams vie for a spot in the knockout stages of Europe’s premier club competition.
Real Madrid manager Álvaro Arbeloa will also be a key figure in Tuesday’s match, and Mourinho expressed his respect for his counterpart. The Portuguese coach hopes Benfica can eliminate Real Madrid and that Arbeloa continues to uncover success with the club.
