Jose Mourinho makes special remarks after leading Benfica to victory over Real Madrid

Coach Jose Mourinho expressed great admiration for the Benfica squad following their outstanding triumph over Real Madrid in the last group round of the Champions League.

Jose Mourinho’s Benfica caused a major upset when they brilliantly defeated Real Madrid 4-2 in the final group match of the Champions League, narrowly securing a spot in the playoff round to compete for a place in the round of 16.

After the game, Mourinho admitted that Benfica fully deserved all three points against the greatest team in the competition, while also feeling a bit confused enjoying the victory over his former club.

Specifically, the Portuguese manager stated: "I believe we absolutely earned this result. Kylian Mbappe had only two chances and converted both. For Benfica, beating Real Madrid holds a very special meaning. It truly is an amazing feeling."

Under Mourinho’s leadership, Benfica have had a challenging season, currently sitting third in the Portuguese league. In the Champions League, the team lost their first four matches before managing to qualify for the playoff round just in time.

"The Special One" acknowledged that as the match neared its end, he and his players believed the 3-2 scoreline was enough to advance, until they realized Benfica needed one more goal.

He explained: "When I made the final substitutions with Franjo Ivanovic and Antonio Silva, I was told the current score was safe enough, so the team focused on defense. Just seconds later, I was informed we needed another goal, but by then no more substitutions were allowed. Luckily, we earned a free kick, which gave us the chance to send Trubin, our big guy, forward to join the attack."

Ivanovic and Silva were brought on in the 93rd minute, before goalkeeper Trubin scored the decisive goal in stoppage time.

The Ukrainian goalkeeper also admitted he felt similarly confused before that unforgettable moment.

He revealed: "I wasn’t exactly sure what was needed. Then I saw the team signaling for me to go forward. I also noticed the coach, so I ran into the penalty area and then… I really don’t know how to describe it.

It was a crazy moment. I’m not used to scoring goals. I’m only 24 and this is the first time in my life. It’s unbelievable."

Trubin’s dramatic header in the 98th minute helped Benfica achieve a minus-two goal difference, just enough to secure a place in the knockout playoff round ranked 24th with 9 points. Meanwhile, Real Madrid failed to qualify among the top eight teams.

Benfica will soon face either Real Madrid or Inter, both clubs previously managed by Mourinho, competing for a spot in the round of 16. The draw for this matchup will be held next Friday.