Jose Mourinho wary of wounded Real Madrid ahead of Champions League playoffs

Benfica coach Jose Mourinho chose to dampen euphoria ahead of the rematch against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League Playoff 2025/26. He warned his squad that a wounded Madrid could become far more dangerous.

During last month's league phase in Lisbon, Benfica won 4-2 in a dramatic match. The decisive goal came in the 98th minute through Anatoliy Trubin's header. The Ukrainian goalkeeper had advanced to join the attack in the dying seconds.

That defeat severely impacted Madrid. The 15-time Champions League champions slipped from third to ninth place in the standings.

They failed to secure automatic qualification for the next phase and must now go through the playoff route. The playoff Draw reunited Los Blancos with Benfica. 

For Mourinho, the dramatic league result isn't reason for overconfidence.

"We've wounded the kings of the Champions League. And wounded kings are dangerous," stated Mourinho as quoted by BBC on Tuesday.

The first playoff leg will be held at Estádio da Luz on Wednesday, February 18 at dawn.

Mourinho, who coached Madrid from 2010-2013, emphasized his team must play with maturity rather than emotion.

"We'll approach the first leg with our heads, ambition, and conviction," said Mourinho.

The previous encounter was indeed dramatic. Madrid finished the match with nine players after Raul Asencio and Rodrygo received red cards during stoppage time. 

Mourinho predicted this duel would be far more complex. Madrid, with their championship tradition and mentality, are expected to react differently.

"This will be extremely difficult, without doubt. Trubin won't be playing as a forward at the Luz stadium," he concluded.

With high tension, a long Champions League history, and unhealed wounds, Madrid certainly don't want another defeat. Can they return home victorious this time?