Benfica manager José Mourinho has sounded a stern warning ahead of the UEFA Champions League play-off rematch against Real Madrid, describing the Spanish giants as “wounded and dangerous” following their dramatic defeat last month.
Benfica secured a spot in the play-offs after a thrilling 4-2 victory over Madrid in the final league-phase match. The result was capped by goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin’s stunning 98th-minute header, which sealed the win and sent shockwaves through European football.
The loss dropped the 15-time European champions from third to ninth in the group stage, denying them automatic qualification.
“They are wounded. And a wounded king is dangerous,” Mourinho said, highlighting the psychological edge his side may hold.
“We will play the first leg with our heads, ambition, and confidence. We know what we did to the kings of the Champions League.”
Benfica, currently third in Portugal’s Primeira Liga, will host the first leg at the Estádio da Luz on Tuesday at 20:00 GMT. The dramatic win in Lisbon saw Benfica almost eliminated despite leading 3-2, until a late free-kick against a nine-man Madrid who had Raul Asencio and Rodrygo sent off in stoppage time allowed Trubin to score his historic header past Thibaut Courtois.
Reflecting on the upcoming rematch, Mourinho added:
“The tie will be very demanding, without a doubt. Trubin won’t be in the attack at the Luz stadium. I’m very used to these kinds of ties. People often think you need a certain result in the first leg for this or that reason. I say there is no definitive result.”
Last month’s victory marked Mourinho’s first win over his former club and propelled Benfica into the knockout stages despite losing their first four league-phase matches. Real Madrid, meanwhile, remain a formidable force, currently leading La Liga, two points clear of Barcelona.
The stage is set for a high-stakes showdown as Benfica look to build on their momentum, while Madrid seeks to avenge their shock defeat and reassert their dominance in Europe.
ELIJAH ADEYEMI
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