Jose Mourinho was forced to watch the second leg of Benfica's Champions League play-off clash with Real Madrid from an unusual location on Wednesday evening, as a result of a suspension. The 'Special One' was banned from the sidelines after picking up a red card in the first leg, leading to reports that he observed the match from the team coach in the Bernabeu parking lot.
Mourinho's Unconventional Viewing Spot
According to sources, Mourinho did not leave the Benfica team bus upon arrival at the stadium, despite holding his pre-game talk with players. Instead of watching from a radio booth or the stands, he remained on the coach throughout the match. This decision came after he exercised his right to avoid media interactions before and after the game, with assistant Joao Tralhao handling those duties.
Controversial First Leg Incident
The suspension stemmed from a red card shown to Mourinho by referee Francois Letexier during the first leg, which Benfica lost 1-0. Mourinho was dismissed for claiming that the official was avoiding booking Real Madrid players. That match was also marred by controversy, as Vinicius Junior alleged that Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni racially abused him, leading to a 10-minute stoppage.
As a result of an ongoing UEFA investigation, Prestianni received a provisional one-match ban and missed the second leg, despite denying the allegations. Mourinho added to the controversy post-match by stating, 'There is something wrong because it happens in every stadium. Every stadium that Vinicius plays [in] something happens. Always.'
Match Outcome and Aftermath
Real Madrid ultimately secured a 2-1 victory in the second leg, winning 3-1 on aggregate to advance to the Champions League round of 16. Rafa Silva opened the scoring for Benfica early, but Aurelien Tchouameni quickly equalized. Vinicius Junior then scored the decisive goal with 10 minutes remaining, sealing the tie.
With this win, Real Madrid will face either Sporting CP or Manchester City in the next round. The draw for the last 16 is scheduled for Friday, February 27, at 11am UK time.
