Mourinho on Benfica vs Real Madrid: “We Secured the King” in UCL
Jose Mourinho, head coach of Benfica, expressed his excitement about facing Real Madrid in the Champions League knockout playoff round. His team recently secured a stunning victory over the Spanish giants, thanks to a remarkable last-minute header by goalkeeper Antoliy Trubin. This goal, scored in the 98th minute, enabled Benfica to advance, despite leading 3-2 before the dramatic finish.
Mourinho’s Thoughts on Facing the “King” of the Champions League
Mourinho referred to Real Madrid as the “king” of the Champions League, highlighting their historical significance with 15 titles. He noted that beating Real Madrid earlier this season was a significant achievement for his squad.
Recent Performance and League Standing
This victory over Real Madrid pushed the team from third to ninth in the league phase table, forcing the Spanish club into the knockout round after they failed to secure a top-eight finish. Mourinho acknowledged the impressive history of Real Madrid, stating, “They are the king. With all that means.”
- Teams: Benfica vs. Real Madrid
- Significant Event: 98th-minute header by Antoliy Trubin
- Mourinho’s Comment: “We got the king.”
- Next Matches: Benfica faces Tondela, Santa Clara, Alverca before the UCL games.
- Current Liga Portugal Standing: Benfica is third, 10 points behind Porto.
Upcoming Matches
Benfica will host Real Madrid for the first leg on February 17, followed by the return leg on February 25. Mourinho’s strategic focus now shifts toward these crucial upcoming games to maintain league momentum before confronting one of the biggest contenders in European football.
