Mourinho Warns: “Wounded Kings Real Madrid Will Be Dangerous” Ahead of Champions League Clash
Mourinho warns Benfica must stay sharp as Real Madrid seek revenge in Champions League play-offs.
- Mourinho calls Real Madrid “wounded and dangerous” after last month’s 4-2 defeat.
- Benfica host the first leg at Estádio da Luz, aiming to capitalize on their dramatic league-phase victory.
- Trubin’s last-minute header secured Benfica’s knockout-stage spot, while Real lead La Liga by two points.
Benfica manager José Mourinho has warned that Real Madrid will be “wounded and dangerous” following their dramatic defeat against his side last month, as the two clubs prepare to face off again in the Champions League play-offs.
Benfica secured a spot in the play-offs with a sensational 4-2 victory over Madrid in the final league-phase match, highlighted by a 98th-minute header from Ukrainian goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin. The defeat saw the 15-time Champions League winners drop from third to ninth in the group standings, missing out on automatic qualification.
“They are wounded. And a wounded king is dangerous,” Mourinho said, reflecting on the psychological edge Benfica might 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, third in Portugal’s Primeira Liga, will host the first leg at the Estádio da Luz on Tuesday at 20:00 GMT. Their previous league encounter with Madrid saw Benfica appear to be heading out on goals scored, despite leading 3-2 in the final seconds. However, a late free-kick against a nine-man Madrid side—after Raul Asencio and Rodrygo were sent off—allowed Trubin to score and seal a remarkable victory past goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
Mourinho emphasized the demanding nature of the upcoming tie: “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.”
The win marked Mourinho’s first triumph over his former club, helping Benfica reach the knockout stages despite losing their first four league-phase games. Meanwhile, Real Madrid currently sit atop the La Liga table, two points ahead of rivals Barcelona.
