Mourinho Warns ‘Wounded’ Madrid Ahead of Clash
Last update: February 16, 2026
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Jose Mourinho warns wounded Real Madrid has point to prove ahead of champions league clash...
Benfica manager Jose Mourinho has warned that Real Madrid will arrive in Lisbon with pride hurt and revenge on their minds when both sides meet in Tuesday night’s Champions League play-off.
The Portuguese champions shocked Europe last month with a dramatic 4-2 victory over the 15-time European Cup winners, sealing qualification for the knockout rounds in stunning fashion.
CBI News reports that goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin emerged as the unlikely hero, heading home a 98th-minute winner past Thibaut Courtois at the Estadio da Luz.
The defeat had major consequences for Madrid.
Having been comfortably placed in third, the Spanish giants slipped to ninth in the final league-phase standings, missing out on automatic qualification.
Ahead of the rematch, Mourinho, himself a former Madrid coach, suggested the Spanish side would respond fiercely.
"They are wounded. And a wounded king is dangerous," he said.
"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 earlier encounter appeared set to end in heartbreak for Benfica.
Despite leading 3-2 late on, elimination loomed on goals scored.
But late drama shifted the momentum.
Madrid were reduced to nine men after Raul Asencio and Rodrygo were sent off in stoppage time.
A final free-kick followed, and Trubin’s remarkable header sparked wild celebrations in Lisbon.
Benfica, currently third in Portugal’s Primeira Liga, will host the first leg at the Estadio da Luz at 20:00 GMT. Mourinho anticipates another intense battle.
"The tie will be very demanding, without a doubt," he said.
"Trubin won't be in the attack at the Luz stadium. I'm very used to these kinds of ties.
"I've been doing it all my life. People often think you need a certain result in the first leg for this or that reason. I say there is no definitive result."
