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AFCON 2025
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Benfica head coach Jose Mourinho previewed the league clash against Real Madrid.
Benfica boss Jose Mourinho has admitted that he is wary of facing Real Madrid in the Champions League playoffs, despite having already beaten Alvaro Arbeloa in the competition this season.
Both Iberian clubs failed to finish in the top eight in the league phase, with Real Madrid missing out on the final matchweek after a 4-2 defeat to The Eagles. They were drawn against each other in the playoffs, and Mourinho expects the match to be complicated.
What Mourinho said
Benfica host the first-leg at Estádio da Luz on Tuesday, February 16th, while the second-leg will be played at Santiago Bernabéu. Ahead of the first of the two-legged clashes, Mourinho discussed what to expect from the match. ‘
The former Chelsea boss expects the game to be more complicated than when they faced off in the league phase, as he expects Los Blancos to react to that defeat.
“We know what we did to the kings of the Champions League… they are wounded,” he said, per Fabrizio Romano. “And a wounded king is dangerous.”
Benfica and Real Madrid's form
As Pulse Sports reported, Jose Mourinho's side have shown resilience in recent weeks, winning four of their last five matches in all competitions, alongside one draw. Their most recent outing saw them claim a hard-fought 2-1 victory away to Santa Clara, further boosting confidence ahead of this crucial tie.
Their home form has also been particularly encouraging, with Benfica consistently posing a threat to visiting sides at the Estadio da Luz. That advantage could prove vital against a Real Madrid side that have shown vulnerability on the road in Europe.
Madrid’s interim head coach, Alvaro Arbeloa, has begun to find his feet after a rocky start, and has now overseen four wins from their last five. Such a run is identical to Benfica’s form under Jose Mourinho, who will love nothing more than to get another one over a former team.