Mou's madness: 'I thought we were through until the last play'
Mourinho's emotional rollercoaster as Benfica goalkeeper scores historic last-gasp goal to knock out Real Madrid in Champions League drama.
Jose Mourinho experienced the full spectrum of emotions as Benfica dramatically secured Champions League progression with the final kick of the game against Real Madrid.
Last-gasp keeper heroics
The Special One was at his theatrical best after witnessing one of football’s rarest sights – a goalkeeper scoring the decisive goal. Benfica’s Trubin netted in the dying seconds, sending Da Luz into absolute pandemonium and Mourinho into a frenzy of celebration.
Incredibly, Mourinho admitted he wasn’t even aware his team needed another goal when making substitutions at 3-2, thinking they were already through. Talk about a proper mare!
“When I made the changes, I thought we were qualified. Seconds later they told me we weren’t,” Mourinho revealed, clearly still buzzing from the dramatic turnaround.
Madrid rivalry continues
Despite the knife-edge nature of qualification, Mourinho was adamant Benfica thoroughly deserved their victory over his former employers. He praised the significance of defeating Real Madrid, noting how prestigious it was for Benfica to triumph against such opposition after not facing them for donkey’s years.
When quizzed about potential playoff opponents – either Inter Milan or Real Madrid – Mou kept his cards close to his chest, simply noting his fondness for both clubs and acknowledging they’re Champions League contenders.
Typical Mourinho fireworks
In classic Mourinho fashion, the Portuguese gaffer couldn’t resist a bit of controversy in his post-match comments. He made a somewhat bizarre plea for critics not to be overly dramatic, saying he was “making a call so some people don’t commit suicide” and asking for more respect for his Benfica side.
The theatrical night concluded with Mourinho apologising to his former Madrid colleague Alvaro Arbeloa for his exuberant celebration following Benfica’s fourth goal. Even for a London lad like myself who’s seen it all, this was peak Mourinho theatre – part pantomime villain, part tactical genius, always box office.