Mourinho causes a sensation by watching the Real Madrid match from an unexpected location

International supporters were amazed to discover where Benfica’s manager, Jose Mourinho, followed the Champions League play-off second leg versus Real Madrid, after commentators were confused by his missing presence in the stadium stands.

Mourinho was suspended by UEFA from coaching after receiving a red card for arguing with referee François Letexier in the first leg. Typically, suspended coaches watch the match from the stadium stands, but Mourinho’s case was different.

Benfica started well with Rafa Silva scoring early, but their joy was short-lived as Aurélien Tchouaméni equalized just two minutes later, extending Real Madrid’s aggregate lead. In the 80th minute, Vinícius Júnior scored again, sealing a 2-1 victory in the second leg and securing Real’s spot in the last 16, where they will face Sporting CP or Manchester City.

During the match, TNT Sports commentators Steve McManaman and Darren Fletcher wondered why Mourinho could not be found in the stands. The answer was later revealed by Spanish journalist Guillem Balagué.

According to Balagué, citing the Portuguese newspaper Record (Portugal), Mourinho stayed on the team bus to watch the game, even though Real Madrid had prepared a radio booth for him in the press area.

This information sparked a buzz on social media. One fan commented: “He could easily have sat in the stands.”

Another criticized: “Of course he could, but if he did, all attention would focus on him.”

A different opinion sarcastically said: “Mou always turns everything into a Mou story.”

Mourinho is, according to @Record_Portugal, watching the game here

There was a radio booth prepared for him but he decided to stay in the club bus

@ZorroElDiez pic.twitter.com/0REg4SYhMA

— Guillem Balague (@GuillemBalague) February 25, 2026

Besides his coaching suspension, Mourinho is also banned from media activities, preventing him from speaking before or after the match. Benfica will return to action on March 2 against Gil Vicente.

After the matches early on February 26 (Vietnam time), the 2025/26 Champions League round of 16 participants have been confirmed:

Eight teams qualified directly for the Champions League round of 16: Arsenal, Barcelona, Bayern München, Chelsea, Liverpool, Man City, Sporting CP, Tottenham.

Eight teams advanced through the play-offs to reach the round of 16: Atlético Madrid, Bodø/Glimt, Leverkusen, Newcastle, Real Madrid, PSG, Atalanta, Galatasaray.