Benfica manager Jose Mourinho has cautioned his team that they will face a dangerous Real Madrid in their Champions League playoff on Tuesday, describing the Spanish giants as a “wounded” side seeking to avenge their recent defeat in Lisbon.
The first leg of the playoff at the Estadio da Luz will see Benfica clash with a Madrid team still reeling from a dramatic 4-2 loss to the Portuguese club during last month’s league phase.
🚀 Don't Miss Out!
Latest jobs • Scholarships • Grants • Internships • Career tips
(Naija + worldwide) — delivered daily on our WhatsApp Channel.
PAY ATTENTION: Follow The Lagos Voice on WhatsApp channel for latest updates
That result spectacularly denied Real Madrid a direct spot in the last 16. In a stunning turn of events, with Benfica trailing 3-2 but on the verge of elimination, goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin ventured forward for a free-kick and headed home a 98th-minute equalizer. The goal secured Benfica’s place in the playoff round on goal difference.
As the two sides prepare to meet again, Mourinho anticipates a fierce response from his former club.
🔔 Don’t Miss the Latest!
News • Politics • Entertainment • Sports
Stay updated daily on our WhatsApp Channel.
PAY ATTENTION: Follow The Lagos Voice on WhatsApp channel for latest updates
“If beating Real once is difficult, imagine beating them twice or three times, which is probably what we will have to do,” Mourinho stated at a press conference on Monday. “A big team that loses and is wounded is dangerous.”
“I know that feeling very well because it is something I have always known, as I have been fortunate enough to only coach big teams throughout my career,” he added.
“Real Madrid’s motivation is not to eliminate Benfica but to win the Champions League. For our part, it is to win and to know very well what we did to win the last game.”
PAY ATTENTION: Follow The Lagos Voice on WhatsApp channel for latest updates
Mourinho anticipates a different kind of match this time, noting Real’s development under manager Alvaro Arbeloa, who had only been in the role for two weeks, having replaced Xabi Alonso, when the teams last faced off.
“We know very well that the game will not be a carbon copy,” Mourinho explained. “We know that they have made significant progress as a team despite having had little time. What I asked my players is to play with great joy because they deserve to be here.”
PAY ATTENTION: Follow The Lagos Voice on WhatsApp channel for latest updates
Reflecting on Benfica’s challenging start to their European campaign, which included losses to Qarabag, Chelsea, Newcastle, and Bayer Leverkusen, Mourinho praised his team’s resilience.
“My players started with four games and zero points. They had to get nine points playing against Juventus, Real Madrid and Napoli. They really deserve to be here.”
“It’s much better to be here, in the Champions League qualifiers, against a team of Real Madrid’s stature than against a lower-level team,” he continued.
“Let’s enjoy tomorrow’s game, get a result that allows us to compete in the second leg and play with joy.”
PAY ATTENTION: Follow The Lagos Voice on WhatsApp channel for latest updates
Mourinho also shared warm words for Arbeloa, who played as his right-back during his tenure at Real Madrid, but made it clear his admiration will be set aside for the match.
“I hope Arbeloa wins LaLiga and much more and has a long career with Real Madrid. He’s a great guy and he deserves it… but I would love to knock Real Madrid out,” Mourinho concluded.
