Jose Mourinho defends Benfica after 4-2 Champions League win over Real Madrid, criticising harsh media scrutiny following thrilling group-stage match

Former Chelsea and Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho criticised his detractors following Benfica’s 4-2 victory over Real Madrid in a Champions League group-stage match on Wednesday night.

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Mourinho’s team advanced to the knockout play-offs after a thrilling encounter in Lisbon, where Benfica overcame a first-half deficit to secure a memorable win.

Kylian Mbappe opened the scoring for Real Madrid in the 30th minute, but Andreas Schjelderup and Vangelis Pavlidis put the hosts 3-1 ahead before Mbappe scored again to reduce the margin.

The match saw late drama as Raul Asencio and Rodrygo of Real Madrid were shown red cards. In the final minutes, Benfica’s goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin scored a remarkable header from a free-kick in the 98th minute, securing the decisive fourth goal.

Benfica, currently 10 points behind Primeira Liga leaders Porto, had been under pressure domestically.

Mourinho took the occasion to respond to critics, urging respect for his team’s performance.

“The only thing I want is to bring a little respect. I hope they are not committing suicide or jumping off the balconies. Calm down,” Mourinho told reporters.

“Benfica will lose, and they’ll have another chance to beat us. The only thing I need is a little respect. The team is the same.”

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The victory not only secured Benfica’s progression in the Champions League but also served as a statement performance under Mourinho, silencing detractors who had questioned the team’s form in recent weeks.