Benfica manager José Mourinho has issued a stern warning to Real Madrid ahead of their UEFA Champions League play-off clash, describing the Spanish giants as “wounded and dangerous” following last month’s dramatic defeat.
Benfica secured a place in the play-offs with a 4-2 victory over Madrid in the final league-phase match, highlighted by goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin’s remarkable 98th-minute header. The defeat dropped the 15-time European champions from third to ninth in the group, leaving them outside automatic qualification.
“They are wounded. And a wounded king is dangerous,” Mourinho said, reflecting on the psychological advantage his side may 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.”
The first leg will be played at Benfica’s Estadio da Luz on Tuesday at 20:00 GMT. Despite leading 3-2 in last month’s match, Benfica appeared set for elimination until a stoppage-time free-kick against a nine-man Real Madrid — who saw Raul Asencio and Rodrygo sent off — allowed Trubin to score his historic header past goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
READ ALSO: Madrid Draw Mourinho’s Benfica Again in Champions League Play-offs
Mourinho acknowledged the challenge ahead, saying the tie would be demanding and warning against complacency. “People often think you need a certain result in the first leg for this or that reason. I say there is no definitive result,” he added.
Last month’s victory marked Mourinho’s first win over his former club and enabled Benfica to reach the knockout stages despite losing their first four group matches. Real Madrid, however, remain a formidable force, topping La Liga and two points ahead of rivals Barcelona.
The upcoming play-off promises a high-stakes encounter, with Benfica aiming to build on their momentum, while Real Madrid seek to avenge their unexpected defeat and reassert their European dominance.