Benfica manager Jose Mourinho has reacted to his side being drawn against Real Madrid in the Champions League playoffs, just days after beating them 4-2 in the group stage.
“We only had two options, Real Madrid or Inter Milan. We didn’t have much choice. We drew the king,” Mourinho said.
The former Real Madrid coach referenced the club’s 15 European Cup titles, recalling a post-match moment from their last encounter. “The other day, when a Real Madrid player offered me his shirt, I jokingly showed my players the badge they had on their shirts, 15 of them. They are the kings. With all that implies.”
Mourinho acknowledged the scale of the challenge, adding, “It’s not just history. We’re going to play against, arguably, the biggest contender to win the competition.”
The draw sets up a high-stakes playoff rematch, with significant pressure on Real Madrid to avoid what would be considered a monumental failure should they not advance past Benfica.
(Source: Real Madrid Xtra)