UCL: Benfica needs no miracle to knock out Real Madrid — Mourinho

By Dauda Musbau

Jose Mourinho, Benfica manager, believes his side doesn’t need a miracle to beat Real Madrid in the Champions League play-off first leg on Tuesday.

Recall that the Portuguese side qualified in a sensational win over Real Madrid from the League Phase after goalkeeper Anatoliy Turbin headed the stoppage-time goal to send Benfica through.

While speaking with reporters, Jose Mourinho said, “I don’t think Benfica needs a miracle to eliminate Real Madrid. We need to be at our absolute best, almost perfect. Of course, Real Madrid is Real Madrid: history, know-how, ambition…

“There’s no point comparing. The only thing you can compare is that Real Madrid is huge, and Benfica is huge. Other than that, there’s nothing else that is comparable. But football has this power. And we can win.”

He further added, “I’m expecting to face the number one contender to win the Champions League. Obviously, I expect an opponent similar to the one we saw after the Lisbon match, where the coach was able to understand a few things, change the team structure and turn an unexpected defeat into three straight league wins.

“There’s nothing with Real Madrid. I’d love to knock Real Madrid out. But I’d also love to see Alvaro (Madrid coach) win the league and stay at the club for many years. He is a very capable coach, with a lot of Madrid spirit and the personality to manage Real Madrid, which isn’t for everyone.”