Benfica is about to face one of the biggest challenges in its recent history, and coach José Mourinho has no doubts: his team does not need a miracle to eliminate Real Madrid from the Champions League. With the first leg of the playoff scheduled, Mourinho expressed confidence and optimism, revealing that the key to victory lies in reaching peak performance.
“I believe that Benfica does not need a miracle to eliminate Real Madrid,” Mourinho stated, challenging the expectations of the football world. The Portuguese coach, who made history in the Spanish capital during his time in charge of the Merengues, commented on Benfica’s impressive journey in the group stage, where a decisive goal from goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin secured a 4-2 victory over Real, ensuring qualification on goal difference.
“We need to be absolutely at our best, almost perfect. Of course, Real Madrid is Real Madrid: history, knowledge, ambition… it doesn’t make sense to compare,” Mourinho continued, emphasizing that despite the differences, football has the power to surprise. “But Benfica is huge, just like Real Madrid. There is no possible comparison, but we can win.”
Mourinho also acknowledged the strength of the opponent, highlighting the challenge of facing a team with the history and determination of Real Madrid. “I expect an opponent that is one of the main contenders to win the Champions League. Obviously, I expect an opponent similar to what we saw after the game in Lisbon, where the coach managed to understand some things, change the team structure, and turn an unexpected defeat into three consecutive victories.”
Before the clash, Mourinho received good news: Amar Dedic and Fredrik Aursnes will be available for the match, having been absent in previous games. “I can confirm that both are available. We still have a training session tomorrow morning, so something unexpected could happen, but based on what I saw yesterday and today, they are fit,” said the coach. “As for being starters, that is my plan: either they start, or they are not even on the bench.”
Mourinho’s history with Real Madrid is undeniably significant. During the three years he spent at the Bernabéu, he won a LaLiga and a Copa del Rey. Reflecting on that period, Mourinho expressed his respect for the Madrid fans: “I gave everything to Real Madrid. I did good things and bad things, but I committed myself completely. When a professional leaves a club with those feelings, there is a bond that lasts forever. I left 12 years ago and I have always felt the same from the Madrid fans that I feel for them.”
Questioned about his future, Mourinho was clear: “I don’t want to fuel stories that aren’t true. I have one more year on my contract with Benfica. It’s a special contract, signed during an election period, with a simple clause for either party to terminate it. There’s nothing with Real Madrid. I would like to eliminate Real Madrid, but I would also love to see Álvaro (Arbeloa, the coach) win the league and stay at the club for many years.”
When asked what could make a difference in the match, Mourinho highlighted the difficulty of winning against Real Madrid. “Beating Real Madrid once is already very difficult, beating them twice is even more complicated, and three times is even harder. I know what it’s like to face a great team that has been wounded, because I’ve been fortunate enough to coach great clubs,” he said. Motivation, according to him, will be crucial: “Their goal is to win the Champions League, and that could give them even more strength. I’ve asked my players to play with joy for being here. It’s better to play against the great Real Madrid than against a smaller team. Let’s enjoy tomorrow’s game and hope for a result that allows us to fight for the tie in Madrid. No pressure.”
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