Jose Mourinho Names Real Madrid Champions League Favorites Ahead of Benfica Clash

Former Chelsea, Real Madrid, Inter Milan, and Tottenham Hotspur manager Jose Mourinho, now in charge of Benfica, has tipped his old club Real Madrid as favorites to lift this season’s UEFA Champions League trophy.

Mourinho’s comments come ahead of a highly anticipated playoff tie, where Benfica will face Real Madrid after securing a shock 4-2 victory over Los Blancos in the final match of the group stages. That win not only stunned the La Liga giants but also forced them into the knockout playoff rather than granting them automatic qualification.

“When a Real Madrid player offered me his shirt after the game… I jokingly showed my colleagues the symbol on it, the 15 Champions Leagues,” Mourinho said. “They’re the kings. It’s not just history, we’re going to play against the favourites of this competition.”

The Portuguese manager’s playful gestures towards Real Madrid fans, witnessed during the previous clash, highlighted the intensity and drama of the upcoming showdown. Despite his allegiance to Benfica, Mourinho acknowledged the undeniable pedigree of his former team, emphasizing that the European elite tournament remains theirs to command.

Opinion: Respecting History While Chasing Glory

Mourinho’s acknowledgment of Real Madrid as favorites underscores a broader truth: in football, history and experience often tip the scales. With 15 Champions League titles, Real Madrid’s track record in Europe is unmatched, giving them both confidence and psychological advantage over opponents, even a tactical powerhouse like Mourinho’s Benfica.

However, Benfica’s previous 4-2 win shows that in football, pedigree isn’t everything. Mourinho knows that while respecting the opponent’s history, preparation, tactical awareness, and execution on the day can turn the tables. This tie will be a fascinating clash of experience, strategy, and rivalry, with the added spice of Mourinho facing the club where he cemented his reputation as one of the greatest managers in modern football.

For fans, it’s a reminder that football is never just about the favorites—it’s about the drama, unpredictability, and moments where legends, past and present, collide.