José Mourinho Real Madrid warning sets tense tone as Benfica prepare for Champions League play-off against wounded Spanish giants

Lisbon, Portugal, February 16, 2026. Benfica manager José Mourinho has delivered a José Mourinho Real Madrid warning ahead of Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League play-off first leg, describing the Spanish champions as “wounded and dangerous” following their dramatic defeat in Lisbon last month.

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José Mourinho, speaking at a pre-match press conference at the Estadio da Luz, cautioned that Real Madrid’s setback could sharpen rather than weaken the 15-time European champions.

“They are wounded. And a wounded king is dangerous,” José Mourinho said.

“We will play the first leg with our heads, ambition and confidence. We know what we did to the kings of the Champions League.”

The Portuguese side secured their play-off place with a stunning 4-2 victory over Real Madrid in the final league-phase match, a contest sealed by goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin’s remarkable 98th-minute header.

The result forced Madrid to drop from third to ninth in the standings, missing automatic qualification for the knockout stage.

Benfica, currently third in the Primeira Liga, will host the first leg at the Estadio da Luz at 20:00 GMT on Tuesday.

The return fixture is expected to be equally intense, with Madrid determined to reassert their European authority.

Last month’s encounter appeared destined for heartbreak for Benfica despite a 3-2 lead.

However, a late free kick against a nine-man Real Madrid side, after Raul Asencio and Rodrygo were sent off in stoppage time, provided the decisive moment.

Trubin advanced into the penalty area and headed past Thibaut Courtois in extraordinary fashion.

José Mourinho emphasised that no advantage from the previous victory guarantees success over two legs.

“The tie will be very demanding, without a doubt,” José Mourinho said.

“Trubin will not be in the attack at the Luz stadium. I am very used to these kinds of ties. People often think you need a certain result in the first leg for this or that reason. I say there is no definitive result.”

The triumph marked José Mourinho’s first victory over his former club and rescued Benfica’s European campaign after four consecutive defeats at the start of the league phase.

Real Madrid, meanwhile, remain formidable, sitting top of La Liga and two points clear of Barcelona.

With both clubs carrying pride and ambition into the contest, the atmosphere in Lisbon is expected to be electric.

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Benfica seek to capitalise on momentum and belief, while Madrid aim for swift and emphatic revenge on Europe’s grandest stage.