Mourinho’s Return: A Clash of Titans in the Champions League

omidbasir- José Mourinho is not one to fade quietly into the background, a reality that Real Madrid will be acutely aware of as they gear up to face Benfica, with their UEFA Champions League aspirations hanging in the balance.

During his tumultuous three-year tenure at the Bernabéu from 2010 to 2013, Mourinho transformed from the “Special One” to the “Normal One,” leaving Madrid with lingering memories of his complex legacy. Now, as they prepare to compete with his Benfica side for a spot in the round of 16, the specter of his past reign looms large.

Mourinho has already cast a shadow over his former club this season, having orchestrated an astonishing 4-2 victory for Benfica last month, a match concluded with goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin’s remarkable headed goal in stoppage time. This victory not only propelled Benfica into the playoffs but also forced Madrid to confront the possibility of early elimination. The two teams will meet again on Tuesday at Estadio da Luz, with a return leg scheduled for the following Wednesday in Madrid.

With speculation mounting that Mourinho may succeed Roberto Martínez as the coach of the Portuguese national team after the 2026 FIFA World Cup, this Champions League clash could very well be his last in the tournament. The duel against Madrid—a club that symbolizes both his triumphs and trials—serves as a poignant backdrop for what could be a dramatic farewell.

Is Mourinho the type to relish the thought of exacting revenge against Madrid, thirteen years post-departure? Undoubtedly, his competitive spirit thrives on such narratives.

Since leaving Madrid, Mourinho has amassed a commendable collection of trophies, including a Premier League title with Chelsea, a UEFA Europa League title with Manchester United, and a UEFA Conference League title with AS Roma. However, his tenure at Madrid, marked by only a La Liga, Copa del Rey, and Supercopa, stands out as a stark contrast to his earlier successes.

Before his time in Madrid, Mourinho was a dominant force in football, capturing Champions League titles with FC Porto and Inter Milan, along with numerous domestic cups and league titles across Portugal, England, and Italy. His impressive tally of 17 trophies in eight years sharply contrasts with the nine he has secured in the 16 years since, signaling a decline that began during his Madrid tenure.

At the Bernabéu, Mourinho faced significant challenges, including conflicts with influential players like Iker Casillas and Sergio Ramos, and he experienced a rivalry with Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona that eroded his previously unassailable aura. This erosion of trust has been evident in subsequent managerial roles, where similar discord with star players has followed him.

Gab Marcotti and Julien Laurens have noted the dramatic finish to Benfica’s recent clash with Real Madrid, highlighting Trubin’s last-minute heroics that secured Benfica’s playoff berth. Sources close to Mourinho from his time at Chelsea describe him as a transformed figure following his Madrid experience, his earlier charm replaced by a more abrasive persona.

Despite his claims that his time at Madrid was a formative high point, the reality suggests otherwise, marked by unfulfilled potential and missed opportunities. The complexities of his Madrid experience linger, always evoking an air of “what could have been.”

Yet, regardless of his past, Mourinho has an uncanny ability to dictate narratives, exemplified by Benfica’s recent victory against Madrid, made possible by his audacious call for Trubin to venture forward. Without that gamble, Benfica would have missed their chance at progression, and the impending doubleheader with Madrid would not be on the horizon.

Having not coached at the Bernabéu since leading Inter to Champions League glory in 2010, Mourinho’s return next week is set to be an emotional affair for both him and the Madrid supporters. As the two sides prepare for their reunion, Real Madrid should proceed with caution, for Mourinho may yet have one last defining moment in the Champions League spotlight.