SL Benfica manager Jose Mourinho has hailed his side’s historic performance after their stunning 4-2 victory over 15-time Champions League winners Real Madrid in a thrilling clash on January 29.
The match saw Kylian Mbappé open the scoring for Real Madrid in the 30th minute, only for Benfica’s Andreas Schjelderup to equalise four minutes later. Vangelis Pavlidis put Benfica ahead before halftime, and Schjelderup added a third in the 54th minute. Mbappé scored his second goal, but Benfica’s goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin sealed the win with a remarkable goal in injury time, capping a memorable night for the Portuguese side.
Speaking after the game, Mourinho expressed his delight and reflected on Benfica’s performance:
“It’s normal for me to be emotional. I think it was deserved. For Benfica, it’s obviously incredible prestige to beat Real Madrid. The two clubs hadn’t faced each other since the fantastic years, so many years ago. And now, for Benfica’s prestige, for the players’ prestige, it’s something fantastic.”
Mourinho also praised his goalkeeper’s heroics:
“I knew we weren’t through yet, that 3-2 wasn’t enough, and we were lucky with a set piece. Our goalkeeper Trubin, who is two metres tall, went into the box and scored a fantastic goal, a historic goal. It felt like the stadium was going to collapse. Incredible.”
Real Madrid reaction
Following the defeat, Real Madrid manager Álvaro Arbeloa commented on his team’s performance:
“Of course we are far from happy. Quite the contrary. I’d like to tell you that it was just one thing that led to this defeat, but I think there were many aspects – adversity in duels, issues with the ball and without the ball. We were a long way from the version of ourselves that we should be.”
The win marks a historic moment for Benfica, who not only secured a remarkable victory over one of Europe’s most decorated clubs but also showcased the tactical brilliance of Mourinho and the heroics of Trubin.
