Real Madrid draw Benfica in Champions League play-off: Mourinho returns to the Bernabéu
Los Blancos face a Portuguese reunion in the Champions League, with José Mourinho set for an emotional return to Madrid in the knockout round play-offs.
A Portuguese nightmare continues for Real Madrid as they’re drawn against Benfica in the Champions League knockout round play-offs, setting up a swift rematch after their recent 4-2 defeat and marking José Mourinho’s first return to the Bernabéu since his controversial 2013 exit.
The Portuguese Punishment
Real Madrid have learned their punishment for failing to secure a top-8 finish in the Champions League league phase. The Spanish giants must travel to Lisbon to face Benfica in the play-off round that grants access to the last 16 of Europe’s premier competition.
There’s a small silver lining for Los Blancos - they’ll play the second leg at the Bernabéu due to their superior ranking, a privilege they wouldn’t enjoy in the round of 16 if they progress, where either Sporting Lisbon or Manchester City await.
Mourinho’s Emotional Return
The tie sets up a dramatic narrative as José Mourinho makes his first return to the Bernabéu since his departure in 2013. The Portuguese manager left Madrid under a cloud of tension, with the fanbase divided after a season filled with sporting and off-field problems.
The second leg, scheduled for February 24th or 25th, will see ‘The Special One’ back in familiar territory where he spent three turbulent seasons. Talk about box office!
Recent History Doesn’t Favour Madrid
Arbeloa’s team face their recent executioners once again - the very side that forced them down this longer path to the Budapest final. With the echoes of that 4-2 defeat and Trubin’s 98th-minute goal still ringing in Madrid ears, they must now plan a return journey to Lisbon around February 17th or 18th.
The historical record offers little comfort for the Spanish side:
- Lost the 1962 European Cup final 5-3 to Benfica
- Eliminated in the 1964-65 quarter-finals (5-1 defeat in Portugal, 2-1 win in Madrid)
- The recent 4-2 defeat at Da Luz
Benfica Under Mourinho: Tactical Analysis
Mourinho hasn’t completely steadied the ship since replacing Bruno Lage, but he’s established a relatively consistent starting eleven in his trademark 4-2-3-1 formation. The Portuguese side relies on:
- Otamendi as their defensive rock
- Trubin emerging as an unexpected hero in goal
- Aggressive intensity, especially at home
- Dangerous transitions through Prestianni and Schjelderup on the wings
- Support from attacking fullbacks Dedic and Dahl
Their double pivot of Barreiro and Aursnes adds dynamism but lacks creativity - a weakness they try to overcome through Sudakov’s playmaking abilities. Up front, they’re heavily dependent on Greek striker Pavlidis, who’s already notched 27 goals and six assists in 37 appearances this season.
For Madrid, it’s a proper banana skin of a tie against a manager who knows them inside out. Could be a right old tear-up!