Mourinho Faces Crucial Match Against Former Protégé
José Mourinho is set to face a pivotal challenge against one of his former players, Álvaro Arbeloa, as Benfica prepares to meet Real Madrid. This crucial match will take place on January 28, 2026, at the Da Luz Stadium, marking the final game of the Champions League group stage.
Mourinho’s Recent Struggles
January has not been kind to Benfica. The team experienced three defeats and three victories during this month, which has raised concerns among fans. The defeats were particularly significant, coming against rivals considered crucial by the club.
- January 7: Lost 1-3 to Sporting Braga in the League Cup semifinals.
- January 14: Lost 0-1 to FC Porto in the quarterfinals of the Portuguese Cup.
Mourinho had previously started the year strong, leading the team to an undefeated streak of eleven matches. However, these recent losses disrupted their momentum.
Benfica’s Current Standing
Despite the turmoil in cup competitions, Benfica remains unbeaten in the league. They currently sit third in the standings, having earned 45 points from 19 matches, with a record of 13 wins and 6 draws. The team is trailing behind FC Porto, who have made history by accruing 55 points in the first half of the season, remaining unbeaten.
Champions League Dilemma
In the Champions League, the situation is dire for Benfica and Mourinho. With only six points from seven matches, the team needs a victory against Real Madrid to have any hope of advancing. Currently, Benfica sits in 29th place in the group stage, meaning they are not in a playoff position.
Even a win against Madrid does not guarantee progression, as Benfica will need to rely on results from other matches involving teams like Olympiacos, Bodo/Glimt, and Ajax.
Mourinho’s Connection to Arbeloa
José Mourinho described Álvaro Arbeloa, now the coach of Real Madrid, as a “son” in a recent statement. He praised Arbeloa for his character and empathy. Mourinho emphasized the need for victory in this match, stating, “This is the only day I want Real Madrid to have a bad performance.”
With high stakes on the line, the upcoming encounter between Benfica and Real Madrid promises to be not only a clash of teams but also a personal battle for Mourinho against his former protégé.
