José Mourinho Insists S.L. Benfica Do Not Need “Miracle” to Overcome Real Madrid CF

Real Madrid travel to Lisbon on Tuesday evening to face Benfica at the Estádio da Luz in the UEFA Champions League play-off round, renewing a rivalry that delivered high drama less than a month ago.

The two sides previously met during the group stage, when Benfica claimed a remarkable 4–2 victory on home soil. The decisive moment arrived deep into stoppage time as goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin scored in the 98th minute to seal the win and secure the Portuguese club’s progression to the knockout stages.

That dramatic late goal proved decisive in the standings, as Benfica edged past Olympique de Marseille into 24th place on goal difference.

Now, the teams reconvene at the same venue, with Mourinho adamant that his side do not require extraordinary fortune to prevail once more.

“We Must Be Almost Perfect”

Speaking ahead of the rematch, Mourinho dismissed suggestions that Benfica would need a miracle to eliminate the Spanish giants.

“I do not think Benfica need a miracle to knock out Real Madrid,” he said.

“We need to be at our absolute best — almost perfect. Of course, Real Madrid are Real Madrid. Their history, experience and ambition are incomparable.

“The only comparison you can make is that Real Madrid are huge, and Benfica are huge. Beyond that, there is nothing comparable. But football has this power — and we can win.”

Since their previous encounter, Benfica have drawn with Tondela before recording successive domestic victories over Alverca and Santa Clara, restoring momentum ahead of their return to European competition.

Mourinho acknowledged the scale of the challenge awaiting his side.

“I expect to face the number one contender to win the Champions League,” he added.

Respect for Former Club

Reflecting on Real Madrid’s recent resurgence, Mourinho suggested that tactical adjustments following their earlier defeat have strengthened the Spanish side.

“I expect an opponent similar to the one we saw after the Lisbon match, where the coach understood certain issues, altered the team’s structure and turned an unexpected defeat into three consecutive league wins.”

Despite his competitive resolve, Mourinho expressed admiration for Real Madrid manager Álvaro Arbeloa.

“I would love to eliminate Real Madrid,” he admitted, “but I would also love to see Álvaro win the league title and remain at the club for many years.

“He is a very capable coach, with strong Madrid values and the personality required to manage Real Madrid — which is not a role suited to everyone.”

Tuesday night’s encounter promises another compelling chapter between two European heavyweights, with Benfica aiming to prove their previous victory was no fluke and Real Madrid determined to reassert their continental pedigree.