José Mourinho has issued a stark warning ahead of Benfica’s Champions League play‑off with Real Madrid, describing the Spanish giants as “wounded and dangerous” after the dramatic 4–2 Lisbon defeat that forced Los Blancos into the knockout scramble.
Revenge, respect and raw motivation
Benfica’s stunning late victory — capped by Anatoliy Trubin’s 98th‑minute header — did more than secure a play‑off spot. It left a scar on a club that has lifted the Champions League 15 times. Mourinho, who knows Real intimately from his own time in Madrid, believes that humiliation will sharpen rather than shatter them.
“They are wounded. And a wounded king is dangerous,” Mourinho said, underlining the psychological edge he expects his side to face when the two meet again.
The Lisbon night that changed everything
The January clash read like a thriller: Benfica led 3–2 with seconds remaining, only for a late free‑kick to produce chaos. Real finished the game with nine men after Raul Asencio and Rodrygo were sent off, and Trubin’s unlikely header past Thibaut Courtois flipped the script. The result plunged Real from automatic qualification spots and handed Benfica momentum — but also painted a target on their backs.
Tactical calm and cup ties experience
Mourinho stressed the tie will be “very demanding” and insisted there is no such thing as a definitive first‑leg result. He downplayed theatrics — noting Trubin won’t be storming forward at the Estádio da Luz — and leaned on his vast experience in two‑legged European affairs. Benfica’s manager sounded measured but resolute: his team will approach the tie with heads, ambition and confidence.
Stakes and storylines
For Benfica, the win in Lisbon was a statement of intent after a rocky league‑phase start. For Real, the defeat is a provocation: a wounded champion with pride, resources and a squad capable of explosive response. With Real top of La Liga and Benfica riding belief, Tuesday’s first leg promises a clash of wounded royalty and hungry challengers — a tie where history, temperament and tactical nous will all be tested.
