Benfica manager Jose Mourinho has warned that Real Madrid will be “wounded and dangerous” as they prepare to face his side once more in the UEFA Champions League, following the Portuguese side’s stunning victory over the Spanish giants last month.
The Portuguese outfit secured their place in the play-offs in dramatic fashion with a remarkable 4-2 triumph over Real Madrid during the final match of the group stage. The standout moment of that contest came in the dying seconds, when Benfica goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin rose to head home a 98th-minute goal, sealing one of the most unforgettable moments of the tournament.
The loss in Lisbon was a significant blow for the reigning Spanish side, who have captured the Champions League trophy a record 15 times. The defeat saw them plummet from third to ninth in the group standings, leaving them outside the automatic qualification spots for the knockout rounds. It was a dramatic reversal for a club accustomed to European dominance, and one that Mourinho believes will fuel their determination in the upcoming ties.
“They are wounded,” Mourinho said ahead of the first leg. “And a wounded king is dangerous. We will play the first leg with our heads, ambition, and confidence. We know what we did to the kings of the Champions League, and we must respect that, but we also know we can compete.”
Benfica, currently sitting third in Portugal’s Primeira Liga, will host the first leg at the iconic Estadio da Luz on Tuesday at 20:00 GMT. The club will be aiming to replicate the high-intensity, decisive performance they produced in Lisbon last month.
During that incredible match, Benfica appeared set to exit the competition despite having taken a 3-2 lead against Real Madrid with just seconds left on the clock. However, the Portuguese side were awarded a free-kick against a Real team reduced to nine players in stoppage time, after Raul Asencio and Rodrygo had been shown red cards. It was from this set-piece that goalkeeper Trubin ventured forward to score the last-gasp header past the opposing keeper, Thibaut Courtois, ensuring Benfica’s progression to the knockout stage.
Mourinho acknowledged that the upcoming tie will be “very demanding” and cautioned that the second leg would require careful preparation, discipline, and tactical awareness. “Trubin won’t be in the attack at the Luz stadium,” the Portuguese coach said, referring to his goalkeeper’s unusual but decisive contribution last time. “I’m very used to these kinds of ties. I’ve been doing it all my life. 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 victory over his former club was particularly significant for Mourinho, as it marked his first triumph against Real Madrid. It also demonstrated Benfica’s resilience, as they had suffered defeats in four of their first group stage games, yet still managed to reach the knockout stages in dramatic style. This unpredictable path has only heightened the narrative of the tie, making it one of the most anticipated fixtures in the Champions League calendar.
Real Madrid, for their part, have not allowed the setback to derail their domestic ambitions. The Spanish side remain at the top of the La Liga standings, holding a narrow two-point lead over their closest rivals, Barcelona. While their focus will naturally be on securing progress in Europe, Mourinho is wary of the threat they still pose, especially given the psychological edge they may possess after suffering such a humbling defeat.
“The Champions League is a competition where reputations are built on resilience,” Mourinho explained. “Even though we beat them in Lisbon, Real Madrid have the ability to bounce back. That’s why we must prepare with intelligence, focus, and ambition. Any lapse, and they can punish us.”
The tactical battle is expected to be intense. Benfica’s approach last month combined disciplined defensive organization with opportunistic attacking play, and they will look to replicate those strategies while also adjusting to the threat of a potentially revitalized Real Madrid. Mourinho’s experience in high-stakes European competition will be a vital asset as his team navigates the pressure of facing one of Europe’s elite clubs.
Real Madrid’s squad is packed with world-class talent, and Mourinho is well aware of the challenges they pose. Despite the previous defeat, the Spanish side remain a formidable force, capable of turning any tie on its head through individual brilliance and cohesive team play. The manager has emphasized that his players must remain mentally sharp and physically ready to handle the intensity that Madrid will bring.
In addition to the tactical and psychological aspects, there is an emotional component to the fixture. The memory of Trubin’s last-minute heroics will likely fuel Benfica’s players with confidence, but Mourinho insists that they must treat the upcoming games with the utmost seriousness. “You cannot rely on miracles every time,” he said. “We need to be structured, disciplined, and ready to impose our game while respecting their strengths.”
The Champions League knockout phase always delivers drama, and this tie promises no less. Benfica have the opportunity to advance further than many anticipated at the start of the season, and Real Madrid will be determined to avenge the Lisbon defeat and prove why they are perennial contenders. The clash at Estadio da Luz will set the tone for a gripping two-legged encounter, with the balance of power in the tie likely to swing on small margins, critical moments, and moments of individual brilliance.
Fans from both sides are eagerly anticipating the first leg. Benfica supporters will remember the last-minute triumph vividly, hoping for another display of courage and opportunism. Meanwhile, Real Madrid’s faithful will be counting on their squad’s experience and quality to overcome the challenge and secure passage to the next round.
Mourinho’s calm and measured approach contrasts with the intensity of the fixture. His focus on preparation, mental resilience, and seizing key moments underlines why he remains one of Europe’s most respected managers. With both legs set to deliver high drama, tactical battles, and unforgettable moments, the tie promises to be one of the highlights of the current Champions League campaign.
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