Benfica's match against Real Madrid in the final group stage game of the Champions League is a do-or-die battle for the home team.
For many, the match could also feel like a farewell. Farewell to Jose Mourinho and the Champions League, and perhaps, to an entire era of football in which he was an icon.
When Mourinho returned to the Da Luz stadium, he was no longer the "Special One" at the height of his European power.
Benfica, under his leadership, is no longer in a position to challenge Real Madrid, but rather faces them as a team that must win to cling to its slim hopes.
With only 6 points from 7 matches, a bumpy Champions League campaign, those numbers aren't befitting of Mourinho's name, but they accurately reflect his current reality – after leaving Fenerbahce.
Real Madrid arrived in Lisbon as the embodiment of continuity and rebirth. A team that still carries the Champions League DNA, despite changing coaches and generations, maintaining its habit of progressing further.
Facing a Benfica side forced to take risks, Real Madrid had reason to opt for a safer approach to ensure a place in the top eight.
Two decades ago, Mourinho dominated European football and shaped the Champions League with his pragmatism, turning opponents' fears into tactical advantages.
But football has moved far beyond that world . Today's Champions League favors speed, pressing, flexibility, and constant reinvention – things Mourinho no longer has the same ease with as before.
His Benfica team fought more on honor than on a realistic belief in a coup.
“ We are trying to prepare as best as possible and play against a team that everyone knows , ” Mourinho said confidently amidst the pressure of securing three points .
“ Our only goal is to win. We don’t need to pay attention to the results of other matches; if we don’t win, the team won’t be able to advance.”
If this is Mourinho's last Champions League match for a long time, or even forever, then the most fitting opponent to conclude that journey is Real Madrid.
Interestingly, on the other side of the pitch, opponent Alvaro Arbeloa is one of Mourinho's favorite pupils from his time at Bernabeu – where he achieved success but also created many conflicts.
In Lisbon, Benfica might play their best game of the season, but the door to the Champions League play-offs is not open for Mourinho.
Force:
Benfica: Bah, Luk e bakio, and Rios are injured.
Real Madrid: Alexander-Arnold, E der Militao , Mendy, and Rudiger are injured .
Predicted lineup:
Benfica (4-2-3-1) : Trubin; Dedi c , Otamendi, Tom a s Ara u jo, Dahl; Barrenechea, Aursnes; Prestianni, Barreiro, Sudakov; Pavlidis .
Real Madrid (4-3-3) : Courtois; Valverde, Ra u l Asencio, Huijsen, Carreras; Arda Gu ler, Bellingham, Tchouam e ni; Mastantuono, Mbapp e , Vinícius .
Match odds: Real Madrid -3/4 handicap
Total goals: 3 1/4
Prediction: Real Madrid wins 3-1 .
Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/nhan-dinh-bong-da-benfica-vs-real-madrid-vong-bang-cup-c1-2485752.html
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