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Topics: Jose Mourinho, Real Madrid, Champions League, Benfica, La Liga
Jack Kenmare
Topics: Jose Mourinho, Real Madrid, Champions League, Benfica, La Liga
In the immediate aftermath of Benfica's dramatic win over Real Madrid, a report claimed Jose Mourinho will "very likely have two giant opportunities open up" in the not-so-distant future.
Benfica booked their spot in the knockout phase of this season's Champions League on Wednesday night, after goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin scored a 98th-minute header against Real Madrid.
It was a memorable scene at the Estadio da Luz. With seconds remaining, Mourinho's side led 3-2 but needed another goal or their Champions League campaign would be curtains.
After the home side were awarded a free-kick, Trubin rushed forward after being given permission by Mourinho to cause havoc in the penalty box.
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And moments later, in one of the most remarkable moments in Champions League history, the Ukrainian goalkeeper was performing a knee-slide celebration after scoring the decisive goal.
“Our goalkeeper Trubin, who is 2m tall, went into the box and scored a fantastic goal, a historic goal," said Mourinho after the final whistle. "It felt like the stadium was going to collapse. Incredible.”
Ahead of kick-off, Mourinho's future at Benfica was one of the big talking points, especially after COPE journalist Alfredo Relano claimed that 'the Special One' is president Florentino Perez's first choice for the Madrid hotseat.
The journalist claimed Perez's "ultimate goal" is to bring Mourinho back for a second spell, having won La Liga and the Copa Del Rey in a three-year stint between 2010 and 2013.
In the past, Mourinho has spoken positively about his former employers. In fact, after calling Real "the iconic club" in 2019, he said he would have "no problem" returning.
Speaking on beIN Sports, he said: "To a club that I have been before? If I think the right club, the right structure, the right ambitions, I will have no problem at all. I think it’s really a reason of pride when a club where you worked before wanting you back.”
Mourinho played down the idea of a return to Madrid in the build-up to Wednesday's game. "Don't count on me for soap operas," he said regarding the speculation. "There are many good soap operas, but they take too long."
But after his Benfica side secured their place in Friday's knockout phase draw, Mourinho was once again linked with the Los Blancos job.
Spanish publication AS claim it is "clear to everyone" that Mourinho will "very likely" have two job proposals at his desk in the coming months, including the Portugal post if they don't lift the World Cup.
The report states: "In Portugal, they hope he'll spend a second year at Benfica, but it's clear to everyone that Mourinho will very likely have two giant opportunities open up. One is with Roberto Martínez's Portugal if they don't win the World Cup. The other could be Real Madrid."
Thoughts on Mourinho's future? Let us know in the comments.