Jose Mourinho will face former club Real Madrid in a highly charged Champions League clash on Wednesday as his Benfica side battle to keep their European campaign alive. The encounter marks Mourinho’s return against the Spanish giants he coached between 2010 and 2013, and a reunion with Alvaro Arbeloa, one of his most trusted former players, now leading Real Madrid in his first senior managerial role.
Real Madrid enter the fixture in strong form after a 6–1 victory over Monaco, which lifted them to third place on 15 points in the league standings. Carlo Ancelotti’s side are currently three points behind Bayern Munich and six adrift of leaders Arsenal, as they chase a top-eight finish and automatic qualification for the round of 16.
Benfica’s situation is far more precarious. Mourinho’s side sit 29th with six points and are currently in the elimination zone. Victory against Madrid is essential if the Portuguese champions are to retain any hope of finishing inside the top 24 and reaching the knockout-phase playoffs.
The fixture also places Mourinho opposite Alvaro Arbeloa, who was promoted from Real Madrid’s youth structure following the dismissal of Xabi Alonso two weeks ago. Alonso, another former Mourinho protégé, endured a brief and turbulent spell in charge before being relieved of his duties.
Arbeloa’s appointment marks his first role as a senior head coach, adding another emotional layer to the Champions League encounter.
Mourinho Praises Arbeloa Ahead of Clash
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Mourinho spoke warmly of Arbeloa, describing him as one of his most respected former players.
“Arbeloa is my boy; he’s not just a former player of mine,” Mourinho said.
“He wasn’t the best footballer I had at Madrid, but he was one of the best men. He’s the last person I would put pressure on.”
While dismissing suggestions that Arbeloa’s inexperience could be exploited, Mourinho made clear that sentiment would not extend onto the pitch.
“He can coach any club in the world, and I want him to do well at Real—except for tomorrow.”
Arbeloa Returns the Compliment
Arbeloa later expressed pride in Mourinho’s words, crediting the Portuguese coach with shaping his career beyond football.
“He has been much more than a manager to me,” Arbeloa said.
“On a personal level, he has been very important throughout my career. Today, I consider him a great friend. I’m really looking forward to seeing him and giving him a big hug.”
What’s at Stake for Benfica
Mourinho acknowledged the scale of the challenge facing his side, stressing that tactical balance would be crucial against Madrid’s attacking quality.
“We have to play to score, but we can’t suffer too much in the process,” he said.
“Without balance, Madrid will punish us.”
The former Real Madrid coach, who guided the club to the 2011–12 LaLiga title, Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup, described the match as a must-win for Benfica.
A Benfica victory would dramatically reshape the Champions League qualification picture, while defeat would almost certainly end their European campaign. For Mourinho, the night represents both an emotional reunion and a high-stakes test of survival against a club where he enjoyed some of the most successful years of his managerial career.
