Jose Mourinho believes Real Madrid will react hard after their shock defeat to Benfica, warning that the “injured king” is often the most dangerous.
Benfica stunned the 15-time European champions 4 2 in the final round of the league stage, a result that denied Madrid automatic qualification for the last 16 and pushed them into the play-offs. The two sides meet again on Tuesday in Lisbon in the first leg elimination tie.
THE WOUNDED KING IS DANGEROUS
Before the game, Mourinho said the defeat only sharpened Madrid’s edge.
“They are injured,” Mourinho said. “And an injured king is dangerous. We will play the first match with our head, with ambition and confidence. We know what we did to the kings of the Champions League.”
Despite Benfica’s recent win, Mourinho has made it clear he understands the magnitude of the task.
“I don’t think it takes a miracle for Benfica to knock out Real Madrid,” he said. “I think we need to be at our highest level. I don’t even say high, I mean maximum, almost bordering on perfection that doesn’t exist. But no miracle.”
He also respected Madrid’s position.
“Real Madrid is Real Madrid with history, knowledge and ambition. The only comparable thing is that we are two giants. Apart from that, there is nothing else. But football has this power and we can win.”
NO DEFINITIVE RESULT IN THE FIRST LEG
Benfica’s dramatic win in Lisbon three weeks ago came thanks to an extraordinary moment when goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin scored a last-minute header to secure progress on goal difference.
“Trubin won’t be in attack this time,” Mourinho joked.
Mourinho, a veteran of European knockout football, also dismissed the idea that the tie would be determined by the first leg.
“I’m very used to these kinds of bonds, I’ve been doing it all my life,” he said. “A lot of times people think you need a certain result in the first round for one reason or another. I’m saying there’s no definitive result.”
As Benfica prepare to host the Spanish giants once again, Mourinho’s message is clear. His team doesn’t need a miracle, but must be close to perfect to overcome injury-hit Real Madrid.
– The end
Issued by:
Amar Panicker
Published on:
February 17, 2026