Mourinho Reunites With Real Madrid and Arbeloa in a Key Champions League Clash in Lisbon

José Mourinho is not only facing Real Madrid once again—the club where, beyond winning three titles in three seasons, he led a deep rebuilding process that proved decisive for future success. The Portuguese coach also comes up against one of his former “soldiers,” Álvaro Arbeloa, in a symbolic showdown between master and pupil, with Benfica fighting for survival in the UEFA Champions League against the most decorated club in European history.

The match, set to be played at the Estádio da Luz, pits a Benfica side that must win and rely on other results to stay alive in the competition against a Real Madrid team that needs only a draw to secure direct qualification to the round of 16.

A past defined by tension and leadership

Mourinho’s time at Real Madrid was marked by turbulent moments and deep divisions, both inside and outside the club. Within the locker room, several players found in the Portuguese coach a leader they would follow and defend at all costs. One of them was Arbeloa, whose loyalty to Mourinho led to an irreversible rift within the Spanish national team, particularly with FC Barcelona internationals.

Twelve years later, different paths

More than a decade later, this reunion arrives at a difficult moment in Mourinho’s career, as he struggles following his return to Portuguese football with Benfica. In contrast, Arbeloa has emerged as an internal solution at Real Madrid after the departure of Xabi Alonso, another coach shaped by Mourinho during the era that halted Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona dominance.

Real Madrid regain confidence

After reality checks delivered by Liverpool and Manchester City in the league phase of the Champions League, Real Madrid have responded convincingly. A perfect run in the remaining matches and a dominant 6–1 victory over Monaco, already with Arbeloa in charge, have restored optimism around the club and revived dreams of competing for major titles.

The team has shown a more solid, vertical, and defensively committed identity, with players such as Vinícius Júnior, Jude Bellingham, and Arda Güler rediscovering their best form. The performance against Villarreal at La Cerámica further boosted confidence ahead of a crucial night in Lisbon—a city forever etched in Madridista history as the site of La Décima.

Injuries, doubts, and possible returns

Arbeloa welcomes back Aurélien Tchouaméni, but defensive limitations remain. Federico Valverde is expected to continue at right back, while Raúl Asencio will play through physical discomfort. Éder Militão, Antonio Rüdiger, and David Alaba remain sidelined.

The main attacking question is whether Rodrygo will return to the right wing or Mastantuono will keep his place, with Brahim Díaz emerging as a third option as Real Madrid gradually recover key players.

A Benfica side under pressure

Benfica will host Real Madrid without influential midfielder Richard Ríos, who is injured, and will rely heavily on the scoring form of Greek striker Vangelis Pavlidis, who has netted 19 goals in domestic competition.

Currently sitting 29th in the Champions League standings, Benfica must defeat Real Madrid and hope for favorable results elsewhere to remain in contention.

True to the “Mourinho system,” Benfica are expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, featuring a deep defensive block and quick transitions. To contain Vinícius and Kylian Mbappé, the Lisbon side will depend on the experience of captain Nicolás Otamendi, partnered with Tomás Araújo, while the potential return of Georgiy Sudakov could provide balance in midfield.

A match filled with history, emotion, and urgency—where past and present collide on a decisive Champions League night in Lisbon.

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