Jose Mourinho's Benfica not banking on miracles against a wounded Real Madrid
India Today
Jose Mourinho says Real Madrid are a wounded king ahead of their Champions League clash with Benfica and insists his side need near perfection, not a miracle, to advance.
Jose Mourinho believes Real Madrid will respond fiercely after their shock loss to Benfica, warning that a “wounded king” is often the most dangerous.
Benfica stunned the 15 time European champions 4 2 in the final round of the league phase, a result that denied Madrid automatic qualification for the round of 16 and pushed them into the playoffs. The two sides meet again in Lisbon on Tuesday in the first leg of their knockout tie.
Speaking ahead of the clash, Mourinho said the defeat has only sharpened Madrid’s edge.
“They are wounded,” Mourinho said. “And a wounded king is dangerous. We will play the first leg with our heads, with ambition and confidence. We know what we did to the kings of the Champions League.”
Despite Benfica’s recent victory, Mourinho made it clear he understands the size of the task.
“I do not think it takes a miracle for Benfica to eliminate Real Madrid,” he said. “I think we need to be at our highest level. I do not even say high, I mean maximum, almost bordering on perfection, which does not exist. But not a miracle.”
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