Battle of Giants: Benfica's Quest Against Wounded Real Madrid

José Mourinho's Benfica faces a 'wounded' Real Madrid after their shocking 4-2 victory. Mourinho insists it won't take a miracle to succeed in the Champions League knockout stage, but rather a near-perfect performance. Both teams are set for a high-stakes match in Lisbon.


Devdiscourse News Desk | Madrid | Updated: 16-02-2026 22:59 IST | Created: 16-02-2026 22:59 IST
Battle of Giants: Benfica's Quest Against Wounded Real Madrid
José Mourinho
  • Country:
  • Spain

José Mourinho, coach of Benfica, expressed confidence in his team's ability to face Real Madrid, despite describing the Spanish club as 'wounded' from their recent loss. The defining moment saw Benfica clinch a surprising 4-2 win, leading them into the Champions League knockout stage.

Mourinho emphasized that while Real Madrid remains the favorite, Benfica doesn't require a miracle to advance. Instead, he stressed the need for a near-flawless performance against a formidable opponent known for its history and ambition in the sport.

In the previous encounter, a last-minute header by goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin secured Benfica's place in the playoffs. Mourinho, drawing on his extensive experience, remains unfazed by the challenges ahead and jokes about the unpredictability of football matches.

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