“Mourinho reveals unprecedented moment and highlights the evolution of young talent.”

Benfica is celebrating after an epic victory against Real Madrid, and their coach, Mourinho, did not hesitate to share his thoughts on this historic moment. The win is not just a sporting achievement but a milestone that reflects a collective effort and the evolution of the team.

“I’m thinking more about the players. Obviously, beating Real and being in the knockout stages is prestigious, but I’m at a stage where I think less about myself and more about the players and the club. I’m not looking to do something I’ve never done. Just enjoying it. These guys playing a knockout round against Inter or Real, some have already done it, but it’s a fantastic opportunity,” Mourinho stated, highlighting the significance of the moment for the athletes and the institution.

In his strategic analysis, the coach revealed: “We don’t have a reference. We defend zonally. When Sudakov jumps to press, the wingers have to close inside. When the ball circulates to one side, the winger on the opposite side has to close the interior space. This is how we are working.” This tactical approach demonstrates meticulous and adaptable preparation, crucial elements when facing European giants.

Now, anticipation is building with the possibility of facing Inter or Real Madrid in the next round. Mourinho, who had not visited the Bernabéu since his departure, expressed: “Real and Inter are among the most important candidates to win the competition. We are not, but we compete. We lost to Chelsea, but we competed. We lost to Juventus, but we competed. We beat Real by playing a great game.” He emphasized the essence of football: “In two games, it’s more difficult, but football is football. We are building a team.”

Mourinho also commented on the young talent Schjelderup, who has shown significant improvement: “I am not important. There are things that no matter how hard you try, cannot be erased. My career has no solution. No matter how much they want to erase it, it cannot be erased. I’m talking about Benfica. They are not the best players in the world, but they are also not the worst. Schjelderup? There’s talk, there’s talk, but in the last 4 games he has played all of them. I believe this Schjelderup is better than the one I found. He does things he didn’t do before.”

Regarding the level of Real Madrid, Mourinho was clear: “I saw a great Benfica. I understand that you in Madrid analyze Real, but my focus is on Benfica and my players. We played an incredible game.” He emphasized that despite the difficulties, the team remained united and determined: “The team is the same. Since I started working with them, the team has been the same, it is united, it is made up of people who want to work, who suffer with negative results, who do not give up.”

Reflecting on the victory, Mourinho said: “I wish the players had gained a little bit of respect, just a little bit.” The emotion was palpable, especially when he recalled the final scene on the field: “We did what I asked: either we kill or we die. If I had lost today, I would have died standing. We gained the possibility of another important night at the Luz, against a European giant.”

In the end, the coach also had words for Arbeloa, apologizing for the way he celebrated: “He is a man of football and knows that in that moment we forget everything.” And about the surprising moment when goalkeeper Trubin scored a goal, Mourinho confessed: “I have won and lost games and eliminations in the last minute, but never with the goalkeeper scoring a goal that the best strikers would love to score.”

With this victory, Benfica not only advances in the competition but also solidifies its position in the hearts of fans, proving that with hard work and unity, it is possible to challenge the giants of European football. Benfica’s journey continues, and the hope is that the club keeps surprising and delighting all those who wear its colors.