Jose Mourinho takes advantage of unusual UEFA loophole for Real Madrid clash

Jose Mourinho has exercised a UEFA regulation ahead of Benfica's crunch play-off clash against Real Madrid in the Champions League.

Benfica head to the Bernabeu for their Champions League play-off second-leg tie following last week's 1-0 defeat.

Vinicius Junior scored a magical goal to hand Real a one-goal advantage heading into Wednesday's match.

Unfortunately, Real's 1-0 victory at the Estadio da Luz was completely overshadowed by the alleged racist incident between Vinicius Jr. and Gianluca Prestianni, who was accused of aiming a racist remark at the Brazilian star.

After Vinicius Jr.'s goal, Prestianni pulled his shirt over his mouth before delivering a comment that angered his opponent, who reported it to match referee Francois Letexier, who activated the anti-racism protocol.

Speaking after the game, Mourinho suggested it was Vinicius Jr. who had instigated the home fans with his celebration.

"When you score a goal like that, you celebrate in a respectful way," he said, before adding: "There is something wrong because it happens in every stadium. Every stadium that Vinicius plays [in] something happens. Always."

Jose Mourinho has been slammed for his comments on the Vinicius Jr. incident. Image: Getty

Mourinho's comments were condemned by fans and critics alike, including Bayern Munich boss Vincent Kompany, who called out the 63-year-old's Eusebio claim.

Ahead of Wednesday's second-leg, the veteran Portuguese manager has opted not to speak to the media.

Benfica have a Champions League press conference scheduled for Tuesday, but the ex-Chelsea and Manchester United boss won't be fielding questions.

According to Sky Sports' Kaveh Solhekol, Mourinho has exercised his right not to speak to the media, having taken advantage of a UEFA loophole in their regulations.

Jose Mourinho was shown a red card against Real Madrid. Image: Getty

Article 79.04 of UEFA's Champions League regulations state if a head coach/manager is suspended, then clubs have the option of making their assistant coach available to speak the day before the game.

Benfica assistant Joao Tralhao will conduct the pre-match presser on Tuesday.

"Jose Mourinho is exercising his right not to speak to the media before or after this really important game," explained Solhekol on Sky Sports News.

"His media duties will instead be performed by his assistant Joao Tralhao, so it will be him and not Mourinho."

The Sky Sports reporter added: "What Mourinho is doing is not against the rules. It's actually in UEFA's regulations that he doesn't have to speak to the media. Because he was shown a red card in the first game that means he is suspended for the game in Madrid."