The TNT Sports commentary team were left questioning where Benfica boss Jose Mourinho watched his side’s Champions League play-off second-leg clash against Real Madrid from – but there’s a rather odd explanation.
After being sent off for arguing with referee François Letexier during the play-off first leg, Mourinho was suspended from taking to the technical area at the Santiago Bernabéu on Wednesday (25 February).
As supporters may know, suspended coaches usually watch their teams from the stands of whichever stadium they happen to be playing at, but this was not the case for Mourinho.
The Portuguese side took an early lead through Rafa Silva, which will no doubt have pleased Mourinho, but the joy was short-lived as Aurélien Tchouaméni made it 1-1 on the night and 2-1 to Real Madrid on aggregate just two minutes later.
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Despite Benfica’s best efforts, the Lisbon club could not overcome the one-goal deficit and eventually conceded a second on the night when Vinícius Júnior finished past Anatoliy Trubin in the 80th minute.
Benfica were eliminated and Real Madrid progressed to the last 16, where they will face either Sporting CP or Manchester City.
During the match, TNT Sports’ commentary team of Steve McManaman and Darren Fletcher questioned why they could not spot Mourinho in the stands before an answer emerged via Spanish journalist Guillem Balagué.
Balagué posted a video of Benfica’s team coach on X and claimed that, according to Portuguese outlet Record, Mourinho remained in the vehicle despite a radio booth being prepared for him by Real Madrid in the press area.
Fans reacted to the post in the comments section.
One wrote: “Surely he could have sat in the stands.”
Another added: “Of COURSE he could but this way makes it all about him tonight, deflecting from his disgraceful behaviour after the first leg. Self-serving dinosaur.”
A third claimed: “Mou making it about Mou.”
Mourinho was also banned from media duties due to his first-leg sending off, meaning he did not speak before or after the game.
Benfica return to action against Gil Vicente on 2 March.
Topics: Jose Mourinho, Benfica, Real Madrid, Champions League, Football
Luke Davies