16.02.2026 15:22
Benfica's head coach Jose Mourinho made important statements ahead of the critical match against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League playoff round. Mourinho noted that they will face a tough test against the Spanish giant and that he is accustomed to such matches. He also stated, "Real Madrid is wounded, and a wounded king is dangerous." The first leg of the playoff round between Benfica and Real Madrid will be played on Tuesday evening at 23:00 TRT at Estadio da Luz.
Benfica's head coach Jose Mourinho made striking statements before the critical match against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League playoff round. The experienced coach emphasized that they will face a tough test against the Spanish giant.
"I AM USED TO THESE KINDS OF MATCHES"
Evaluating the match against Real Madrid, Mourinho highlighted his experience in big matches, saying, "I know that the match against Real Madrid will be very challenging, no doubt about it. I am very used to these kinds of matches. I have done this my whole life. People often think that a certain outcome must be reached in the first match for one reason or another. I say there will not be a definite outcome."
"WE WILL PLAY WITH MIND, AMBITION, AND CONFIDENCE"
Sharing his plans for the first match, the experienced coach stated, "We will play the first match with our mind, ambition, and confidence."
"REAL MADRID IS INJURED"
Pointing out Real Madrid's position in the Champions League, Mourinho made a striking analogy: "We know what we are doing to Real Madrid, the king of the Champions League. Real Madrid is injured. And an injured king is dangerous."
THE BIG ENCOUNTER ON TUESDAY
The first match of the playoff round between Benfica and Real Madrid will be played on Tuesday evening at 23:00 TRT at Estadio da Luz.
The two teams faced each other on January 28, with Benfica defeating Real Madrid 4-2 at home with a goal from goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin in the 90+8th minute. With this result, the Portuguese representative qualified for the playoff round, while Real Madrid finished the league in 9th place, missing out on the top 8. On the other hand, Raul Asencio and Rodrygo from Real Madrid will not be able to play in this round due to their red cards.