Mourinho Apologizes to Real Madrid After Benfica’s 4–2 Win: “I Got Carried Away”

José Mourinho was once again at the center of attention in the Champions League following Benfica’s stunning 4–2 victory over Real Madrid, and this time not only because of the result. The Portuguese manager confirmed that he apologized to Álvaro Arbeloa for the way he celebrated the win against the Spanish giants.

“I apologized for how I celebrated, but Álvaro is a football man and understands that in that moment you get carried away,” Mourinho explained, adding that the Real Madrid coach told him there was no need to apologize.

The Benfica boss described the match as “a night to remember,” highlighting the importance of the result for both the club and its supporters.

“I think especially of the younger Benfica fans. It was an incredible night and the players played an extraordinary match,” he said.

Despite his long and decorated career, Mourinho admitted that the way the game ended surprised even him.

“I’ve won and lost many matches, but I had never won one with my goalkeeper scoring in the last minute,” he noted.

The most dramatic moment came with the goal scored by goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin in stoppage time, an action that sealed the 4–2 scoreline and sparked celebrations across Lisbon.

“I thought I had seen everything in football, but in the end, I hadn’t,” the Portuguese coach added.

Asked about what it means to defeat Real Madrid in the Champions League, Mourinho avoided making it about himself and instead focused on the team.

“I’m not thinking about myself, I’m thinking about the players and the club. For them, playing a knockout tie against Real Madrid or Inter is a fantastic opportunity.”

Regarding a possible reunion with Real Madrid in the Champions League playoff round and a potential return to the Santiago Bernabéu after thirteen years, Mourinho recalled that he has not been back to the stadium since leaving the club.

Looking ahead to the next phase, the coach revealed that he will be able to count on Rafa Silva and Arthur Cabral, giving Benfica more tactical options.

He closed with a line that did not go unnoticed: “As they say in Spain, we’re coming for them.”

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