José Mourinho Utilises UEFA Regulation Ahead of Benfica’s Champions League Clash with Real Madrid

Benfica manager José Mourinho has exercised a provision within UEFA regulations ahead of his side’s decisive Champions League play-off second leg against Real Madrid.

The Portuguese giants travel to the Santiago Bernabéu trailing 1–0 from last week’s first leg defeat in Lisbon. Vinícius Júnior produced a moment of brilliance at the Estádio da Luz to hand the Spanish side a slender advantage heading into Wednesday evening’s encounter.

However, Real’s victory was overshadowed by an alleged racist incident involving Vinícius Júnior and Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni. Following his goal, Prestianni appeared to pull his shirt over his mouth before making a remark that reportedly angered the Brazilian winger. Vinícius subsequently informed match referee François Letexier, who initiated UEFA’s anti-racism protocol.

Speaking after the match, Mourinho suggested that Vinícius had provoked home supporters with his celebration.

“When you score a goal like that, you celebrate in a respectful way,” Mourinho stated. “There is something wrong because it happens in every stadium. Every stadium that Vinícius plays in, something happens. Always.”

The remarks attracted criticism from supporters and pundits alike, including Vincent Kompany, who publicly challenged Mourinho’s comments.

Mourinho Opts Out of Media Duties

Ahead of the return fixture in Madrid, Mourinho has elected not to fulfil media obligations. Benfica are scheduled to hold their pre-match press conference on Tuesday; however, the former Chelsea and Manchester United manager will not be present to take questions.

According to Sky Sports journalist Kaveh Solhekol, Mourinho is acting within UEFA’s regulations.

Article 79.04 of UEFA’s Champions League rules stipulates that if a head coach is suspended, the club may instead nominate an assistant coach to undertake media responsibilities on the eve of the match.

Benfica assistant coach João Tralhão will therefore address the press in place of Mourinho.

Solhekol explained on Sky Sports News: “José Mourinho is exercising his right not to speak to the media before or after this really important game. His media duties will instead be performed by his assistant João Tralhão.”

He added: “What Mourinho is doing is not against the rules. It is actually written into UEFA’s regulations that he does not have to speak to the media. Because he was shown a red card in the first leg, he is suspended for the match in Madrid.”

With tensions already heightened following events in Lisbon, attention now turns to whether Benfica can overturn the deficit at the Bernabéu and progress in Europe’s premier club competition.