Benfica head coach Jose Mourinho has addressed the media ahead of the decisive UEFA Champions League match against Real Madrid, emphasizing the high stakes involved for the Portuguese side.
Operative Information Center-OMM reports that the experienced specialist did not hide the fact that his team is in a difficult position, yet he stressed that opportunities for advancement still exist. According to Mourinho, Benfica can only continue their journey in the tournament if they secure a victory and favorable results occur in parallel matches.
“We are in an extremely difficult situation for the qualification stage, but if we win and there are successful results in other matches, our chance remains. Real Madrid is a very strong team; they possess the world's best players and punish every mistake immediately,” Mourinho stated.
The Portuguese manager called for courage from his players, noting that while they must respect their opponents, they cannot afford to play with fear. He reflected on previous performances, noting that the team created 34 episodes in the opponent's penalty area in Turin but failed to score. He warned that such numerous opportunities would not be available tomorrow and that the team must maximize every chance. "If we don't win, we will be out of the tournament. There is only one goal here: you either win or you die standing," he added.
Mourinho also shared his thoughts on his former player Alvaro Arbeloa, praising his human qualities. While wishing him general success, Mourinho noted that tomorrow's match is an exception. "I want everything to go well for him, but not tomorrow. Tomorrow, I want everything to go badly for him. We haven't spoken on the phone, but he already knows this," the coach remarked.
The UEFA Champions League remains the most prestigious club competition in European football, featuring the top-tier teams from across the continent. For clubs like Benfica, competing against record-holders Real Madrid represents both a significant challenge and a vital opportunity to assert their standing on the international stage. The outcome of such high-profile encounters often dictates the financial and sporting trajectory of the clubs for the remainder of the season.
