Benfica manager Jose Mourinho says Real Madrid will be “wounded and dangerous” because of their dramatic defeat against his side in the Champions League last month as the sides prepare to meet again in the competition.

Today, 17th February, 2026, Benfica play the first leg of their two-legged playoff against Real Madrid and the ‘Special One’ isn’t taking the encounter lightly.

Benfica sealed their spot in the play-offs with an incredible 4-2 victory against Madrid in the final match of the league phase, with goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin scoring a 98th-minute header.

The defeat in Lisbon dropped the Spanish club, who have won the Champions League 15 times, from third to ninth and out of the automatic qualification spots.

“They are wounded. And a wounded king is dangerous,” said former Madrid coach Mourinho.

“We will play the first leg with our heads, ambition and confidence. We know what we did to the kings of the Champions League,” Mourinho said in an interview with bbc.