 |
A chapter closes for Mourinho at Bernabeu. |
There are returns that are awaited like a triumphant celebration. And there are also returns that only serve to confirm that everything has truly come to an end.
Mourinho entered the Bernabeu not as the hero he once was for Real Madrid. He returned with Benfica, for the second leg of the UEFA Champions League play-off. But instead of applause, instead of a moment of tribute, what awaited him was a cold silence.
Not a single chant of his name came from the stands. No symbolic message from his former club. No "uno di noi," the way the Madrid fans used to call those who belonged to them. After 13 years, the link between Mourinho and the Bernabeu seemed to have been completely severed.
Mourinho avoided the spotlight. He didn't appear in the press area that Real Madrid had prepared. He stayed on the Benfica team bus, keeping himself separate from the crowd. That image carried more than just professional significance. It symbolized the closing of a chapter.
A statement and its consequences
In fact, hopes for a warm reunion had already wavered before the match even started. After Benfica's 0-1 defeat at Da Luz, Mourinho made comments regarding Vinicius Junior, saying the player celebrated "like an idiot." Prior to that, he had also spoken out about the incident involving Prestianni and the racist behavior directed at Vinicius.
 |
Mourinho received a red card in the first leg of the Champions League play-off match between Benfica and Real Madrid. |
In the sensitive context of Spanish football, those words went beyond mere professional commentary. They created a rift. And when Mourinho returned to Bernabeu, that rift became apparent.
The anticipated meeting between him and president Florentino Perez did not take place, even though the Real Madrid president was present in the VIP stands. There were no handshakes. No photos evoking the past. Everything unfolded as if Mourinho were just an ordinary opposing coach.
The paradox lies in the fact that in Lisbon, Mourinho is being viewed in a completely different light. According to Portuguese press sources, his recent run of results has further solidified his position at Benfica. The team made a positive impression in the final stages of the Champions League, particularly after their 4-2 victory over Real Madrid.
Portuguese journalists believe Benfica fans are pleased with how Mourinho has built the team. He has created a cohesive unit with a distinct identity, playing confidently against strong opponents. Many fans want him to continue his tenure. In Lisbon, Mourinho is a hero.
But in Madrid, he left as a controversial figure.
Ironically, it was the very style that defined "Mourinhosmo"—his straightforwardness, his willingness to confront issues, and his fearlessness—that ultimately pushed him away from the Bernabeu. Years ago, that personality helped Real Madrid escape their inferiority complex in Europe. Now, that personality is no longer appreciated.
Is the dream of a reunion over?
Until the last minute, Mourinho considered holding a press conference, which UEFA allowed despite his touchline ban. Benfica did not want him to speak before the match to avoid creating further controversy.
After the match, the doors remained open. But seeing the cold indifference from the stands and from his former club, Mourinho chose to remain silent. Perhaps he understood the message.
 |
Mourinho left Madrid in silence. |
The glimmer of hope that had been kindled after the 4-2 victory at Da Luz in January, where many began talking about the possibility of his return to Madrid one day, quickly faded. The Bernabeu no longer has room for nostalgia.
In football, memories alone are not enough to guarantee a warm reunion. Mourinho once shaped a special era for Real Madrid. But time passes, circumstances change, and emotions are different.
He returned to Lisbon as a hero. He left Madrid quietly.
And perhaps that is the clearest answer to all the speculation about the future.
Source: https://znews.vn/doan-ket-buon-cho-mourinho-post1630579.html
Comment (0)