Mourinho's Benfica Faces Elimination Against Former Club Real Madrid
José Mourinho's return to face his former club Real Madrid carries unprecedented stakes as Benfica battles for Champions League survival in Wednesday's league phase finale at Estádio da Luz.The Portuguese giants currently sit 29th among 36 teams, two points adrift of playoff qualification and facing continental elimination. A victory against Los Blancos represents their sole pathway to extending European competition beyond this season, though even that may prove insufficient given their negative goal difference.Real Madrid, despite their own turbulent campaign following Xabi Alonso's dismissal after seven months, maintains stronger positioning in third place with 15 points. However, a defeat could trigger a dramatic slide down the standings, as ten teams below them possess opportunities to reach 16 points.The encounter marks a personal milestone for Mourinho, who guided Real Madrid from 2010-2013, securing La Liga glory in 2012 during Barcelona's dominant era. His September appointment at Benfica followed the club's disappointing start under Bruno Lage, with domestic form remaining unbeaten but marred by excessive draws that leave them 10 points behind leaders Porto.Historical precedent favors the hosts, with Benfica holding a 2-1 advantage in their limited encounters. Their most memorable meeting occurred in the 1962 European Cup final, where Eusébio's double helped secure a 5-3 victory over Ferenc Puskás's Real Madrid side.Team news reveals significant defensive concerns for Real Madrid, with Trent Alexander-Arnold, Antonio Rüdiger, Éder Militão, and Ferland Mendy sidelined through injury. Benfica welcomes back several players but remains without key attacking options including Dodi Lukébakio and Henrique Araújo.The Champions League's new format intensifies pressure on both clubs, with only the top eight securing automatic qualification to the round of 16. Teams finishing 9th through 24th enter playoff rounds, while the bottom 12 face complete elimination from continental competition.Wednesday's fixture represents more than tactical maneuvering—it embodies the financial and reputational implications of European competition in modern football's increasingly competitive landscape.Source: Al Jazeera
