Benfica vs. Real Madrid: Mourinho Aims to Upset Former Club in Champions League Play-off
Less than a month after one of the most dramatic Champions League matches in history, Benfica and Real Madrid will face each other again. The two teams will meet in the first leg of the play-offs in Lisbon on Tuesday evening, with the memories of Benfica’s 4-2 victory in January still fresh.
Benfica’s Dramatic Qualification
Benfica qualified for the play-offs in an unexpected fashion, securing their spot with a last-minute goal scored by goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin.1 This goal not only ensured Benfica’s progression but also denied Real Madrid automatic qualification to the last 16.
Mourinho’s Return to Face Former Club
All eyes will be on José Mourinho as he takes on his former club.2 Mourinho believes Real Madrid is vulnerable, stating, “They are injured. And an injured king is dangerous. We will play the first match with our minds, ambition and self-confidence. We recognize what we are doing to the kings of the Champions League.”
Mourinho’s Managerial Career
Mourinho’s managerial career began with a brief stint at Benfica in 2000, replacing Jupp Heynckes, before he gained prominence by winning back-to-back European cups with Porto.2 Throughout his career, spanning 1,228 matches, his success has varied by club.
His most successful spell came at Porto, where he won 91 of 127 matches, averaging 2.32 points per game while lifting the Champions League and UEFA Cup. His tenure at Real Madrid was his second most successful in terms of points average (2.30).2
Key Stats and Information
- Start Time: 8pm GMT, 3pm ET, 12pm PT1
- How to Watch: Prime Video Sport (UK); Paramount+ (U.S.)1
- Kylian Mbappé: Currently leads the Champions League scoring charts with 13 goals in seven games.1
Real Madrid currently top La Liga by two points, having played a game more than Barcelona. Alvaro Arbeloa is the current manager of Real Madrid.