‘They are the king’ - Jose Mourinho names Champions League winner

Benfica manager Jose Mourinho has identified Real Madrid as the “biggest contender” to win this season’s UEFA Champions League following the knockout play-off draw that paired the two European heavyweights.

The draw sets up a high-profile encounter between Benfica and the Spanish giants, with a place in the next round of the competition at stake.

The sides only faced each other recently in the final group-stage match, a dramatic contest Benfica won 4–2.

Despite that memorable victory, Mourinho was quick to underline the scale of the challenge awaiting his team.

Speaking shortly after the draw, the Portuguese coach did not attempt to downplay Real Madrid’s stature in European football.

“We only had two options, Real Madrid or Inter Milan. We didn’t have much choice. We drew the king,” Mourinho said.

Mourinho went on to highlight Real Madrid’s unmatched Champions League pedigree, referencing their record 15 titles as the benchmark of European success.

“The other day, when a Real Madrid player offered me his shirt after the match, I jokingly showed my players the badge they had on their shirts. Fifteen of them. They are the king. With all that that implies,” he explained.

While acknowledging Real Madrid’s legacy, Mourinho was keen to stress that their threat extends far beyond past achievements.

“It’s not just history. We’re going to play against, arguably, the biggest contender to win the competition,” he added.