Jose Mourinho has rejected reports that he issued demands for a possible return to Real Madrid. The Benfica manager said he has had no contact with the Spanish club and remains focused on his current team.
Mourinho dismissed claims from Spanish media that he held a video conference with Real Madrid president Florentino Perez to discuss terms for a second spell at the Santiago Bernabeu. He described such stories as speculation and said he had no knowledge of any demands being outlined.
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Benfica welcome Real Madrid to Estádio da Luz for the first leg of their UEFA Champions League knockout phase play-off on Tuesday, seeking to build on their dramatic 4-2 league-phase victory three weeks ago. Goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin's 98th-minute header secured Benfica's progression and forced Real Madrid into this extra tie. With Jose Mourinho facing his former club, both sides enter with injury concerns but high stakes for a last-16 spot.
José Mourinho has spoken out on the incident between Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni and Real Madrid's Vinícius Júnior during their Champions League match. The Benfica coach emphasized principles while stressing the presumption of innocence. He also touched on related issues including a jersey swap dispute and rumors about his future.
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Jose Mourinho, Benfica's coach, has voiced his desire to knock Real Madrid out of the Champions League ahead of their playoff clash. The match rematches Benfica's 4-2 group stage victory over Los Blancos. Mourinho faces his former player Alvaro Arbeloa, now Real Madrid's coach.
Gianluca Prestianni, provisionally suspended by UEFA for an alleged racial slur against Vinicius Jr, has joined the Benfica squad in Madrid for the Champions League play-off second leg against Real Madrid. The Argentine denies any wrongdoing, and Benfica officials have voiced strong support for his innocence. Tensions remain high following the first leg, where Vinicius scored the winner amid the controversy.
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Real Madrid has submitted evidence to UEFA supporting Vinicius Jr's allegation of racial abuse by Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni during their Champions League match. The incident occurred in a 1-0 victory for Real Madrid on February 17, 2026, at Benfica's stadium in Lisbon. Prestianni denies the claims, and UEFA is investigating amid escalating tensions.
Real Madrid interim manager Álvaro Arbeloa has confirmed Kylian Mbappé is available for the Champions League last-16 second leg at Manchester City, while Jude Bellingham remains unavailable despite traveling with the squad. Los Blancos hold a 3-0 aggregate lead from Federico Valverde's first-leg hat-trick at the Bernabéu. Pep Guardiola expressed confidence in a City comeback at the Etihad.
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Former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has criticized current vice-captain Enzo Fernandez for comments casting doubt on his future at the club. The rebuke came after Chelsea's heavy Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain. Mikel questioned Fernandez's leadership amid links to Real Madrid.