When Mourinho was still too 'special'

No longer regularly listed among the elite football managers globally, Jose Mourinho at the age of 63 appears to have started a different phase in his coaching journey.

However, just one moment, one decisive match, the “Special One” once again makes all of Europe mention his name with the usual respect.

After some unfulfilled periods at AS Roma and Fenerbahce, Mourinho returned to his homeland Portugal to lead Benfica. This decision somewhat reflects the reality: he is no longer the first choice for Europe’s top clubs. In modern football, which demands long-term stability, Mourinho’s teams often struggle in extended campaigns. Benfica currently sits third in the Portuguese league, trailing Porto by 10 points, clearly illustrating this point.

However, judging Mourinho solely by rankings is a mistake. His greatest strength has never been marathon campaigns but rather his ability to prepare for crucial, do-or-die matches. The clash with Real Madrid in the final qualifying round of the 2025-2026 Champions League is a prime example.

Facing a Real Madrid side superior in reputation and squad quality, Mourinho’s Benfica accepted a lower possession rate but showed astonishing sharpness in counterattacks. The Portuguese team fired 20 shots, 11 on target – numbers even higher than Real Madrid’s. The 4-2 victory was not just a scoreline but a testament to Mourinho’s tactical brilliance.

The difference on the coaching bench was also a key factor. Real Madrid was led by Álvaro Arbeloa as interim coach – a former pupil of Mourinho. Facing a seasoned strategist like the “Special One,” Arbeloa was clearly inexperienced. Therefore, Real Madrid’s defeat was not a shock but an expected outcome when measured professionally.

The moment goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin scored a header to seal the 4-2 scoreline in the 90+8 minute sent emotions soaring. Mourinho jumped up from the bench, hugged the ball boy, and turned to the stands in overwhelming excitement. The chest-thumping and primal shouts sent a strong message to the football world that he is still here, maintaining his class in coaching.

Benfica’s win over Real Madrid once again confirmed the supreme role of a coach in big matches. Mourinho may no longer be at the peak of glory, but whenever the chance arises, he knows how to become the center of the stage.