Even knocking out Real Madrid doesn’t require his current team to be at their absolute best, says a confident José Mourinho.
Benfica recently delivered an incredible performance against Real Madrid, earning a memorable victory. Ahead of facing the same opponents again, Benfica coach Mourinho is even more cautious—but his confidence is unwavering. In a firm tone, the ‘Special One’ stated that his team doesn’t need any miracles to replicate success against Europe’s most successful club.
Benfica will meet Real in the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16 play-offs on Tuesday, with the match kicking off at 2:00 AM Bangladesh time.
At the end of last month, Benfica secured their play-off spot by narrowly beating Real Madrid 4-2 in the final round of the group stage. That loss dropped Real from third to ninth, costing them a direct spot in the knockout stage.
Since that defeat, Real hasn’t lost in La Liga in three matches and has won their last eight league games. Riding the confidence of this domestic success, they will take the field in Europe’s premier competition with momentum. Mourinho also believes that after their slip-up in Lisbon, Real may approach the match like a “wounded lion,” ready to pounce on their opponents.
Yet the Portuguese coach sees no reason to be intimidated. He trusts that his current team can repeat the victory against his former club.
“Benfica doesn’t need a miracle to eliminate Real Madrid. In my view, Benfica just needs to play their best football. I’m not even saying they need to be at their absolute best… almost perfect, which, in reality, never happens,” Mourinho said.
“No miracle is required. Of course, Real Madrid is Real Madrid: history, footballing talent, ambition… The only comparable thing between the two teams is that both are great clubs. Beyond that, there’s nothing else. But football has its own power, and we can win.”
The second leg of this play-off will be at Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu on November 25.
