Mourinho Prepares for High-Stakes Clash Against Real Madrid

omidbasir- At a press conference held at the Estadio da Luz, José Mourinho chose to temper any exuberance stemming from Benfica’s surprising victory in the league phase against Real Madrid. The Portuguese manager recognizes that the historic 4-2 win has only intensified the resolve of the 15-time European champions. With Real Madrid arriving in Lisbon eager to restore their reputation, Mourinho cautioned his team about the challenges of confronting a cornered adversary, emphasizing, “They are wounded. A wounded king is dangerous.”

Mourinho stated, “We will approach the first leg with a mindset of ambition and confidence. We are aware of our recent success against the reigning champions of the Champions League, but we must remain prepared for their response.”

The earlier defeat in Lisbon proved detrimental for Real Madrid, causing a significant drop from third to ninth place in the standings and forcing them into this precarious playoff round. This chaotic encounter was highlighted by Anatoliy Trubin’s remarkable 98th-minute header, a moment that Mourinho referenced with a knowing smile.

“Trubin won’t be part of the attack at the Luz stadium this time,” he quipped, momentarily easing the tension before addressing his extensive experience in knockout football. “I have navigated these types of matches throughout my career. People often believe a specific result is crucial in the first leg for various reasons. I argue that there is no such thing as a definitive result.”

Despite the psychological advantage from their recent victory, Mourinho faces potential challenges concerning his defensive lineup. He expressed concern about the fitness of right-back Amar Dedic, who has been crucial to Benfica’s European campaign this season. The Bosnian defender has made 32 appearances in all competitions, but his condition is under careful observation.

Mourinho acknowledged that it would be challenging to find a “balanced solution” for such an important match if Dedic is unavailable, emphasizing the need for careful management of the player’s situation. Complicating matters further, reports indicate that Dedic’s observance of Ramadan could impact his physical readiness.

On a more positive note, there is encouraging news regarding Fredrik Aursnes. The versatile Norwegian had been a concern after missing a recent trip to the Azores due to a muscle injury, but his recovery appears to be progressing well, raising hopes for his participation at the Estadio da Luz.

For Alvaro Arbeloa and Real Madrid, the trip back to Lisbon signifies an opportunity to confront the ghosts of their previous encounter. The Spanish side suffered two red cards in the dying moments of that 4-2 defeat, a loss that ultimately cost them a direct entry into the round of 16. Despite their European setbacks, Real Madrid remains a formidable domestic force, currently leading La Liga, two points ahead of Barcelona. Mourinho is well aware that the club he once managed will be eager to reassert their historical dominance.

“This tie will undoubtedly be very demanding,” Mourinho acknowledged. The recent victory over Madrid was especially rewarding for the Benfica manager, marking his first win against the club. That result has ignited an unexpected resurgence for the Eagles, who advanced to the knockout stage despite losing their initial four matches. Now, the challenge is to demonstrate that their previous victory was not merely a fluke as these two titans clash once more.

Benfica currently holds the third position in the Portuguese Primeira Liga and is eager to translate their domestic success into a significant European run. Mourinho’s extensive experience in two-legged knockout ties is viewed as a crucial asset for the club. He remains resolute about his capabilities, contending that he thrives under the pressures of such encounters. His decades-long expertise in the Champions League knockout phase has prepared him to expect that his players will exhibit similar mental resilience when the match commences on Tuesday night.

The first leg in Portugal is poised to set the tone for the entire tie. Real Madrid’s status as “wounded kings” makes them unpredictable, yet Mourinho’s intimate understanding of the club’s dynamics could prove pivotal. While attention will be focused on the stars performing on the pitch, the tactical battle between the managers will be equally significant. As Mourinho aptly puts it, there is no “definitive result” in the first leg, but he will certainly aim to ensure his team heads to the Bernabeu with something to protect.