Benfica host Real Madrid on Matchday 8 of the 2025/26 Champions League group stage in a crucial game that will see master José Mourinho come face to face with disciple Álvaro Arbeloa.
Having briefly managed the Lisbon giants in 2000, Mourinho returned to Portugal in September last year, ironically just weeks after being knocked out of the Champions League qualifiers by Benfica while at former club Fenerbahce, who subsequently fired him.
A second UCL elimination looms for Mourinho
Mourinho now faces the prospect of a second elimination from the competition in the same season unless Benfica can defeat Real Madrid at Estádio da Luz on Wednesday. Even a victory would not guarantee a spot in the knockout phase playoffs.
Not only will Mourinho face the club he managed between 2010 and 2013, but he will also go head-to-head with Arbeloa, who was at the Bernabéu during Mourinho’s three seasons in charge there.
Arbeloa admires but won’t imitate Mourinho
After surprisingly being appointed as Xabi Alonso’s Madrid successor, Arbeloa has often spoken of his admiration for Mourinho. “I try to be as ‘Mourinhista’ as possible,” the former defender said in a 2017 interview.
However, in his first press conference after being named Madrid’s latest head coach, he insisted he wouldn’t be trying to become a mini-Mourinho. “For me it was a privilege and honor to be coached by José Mourinho. He influenced me a lot. I’ll be Arbeloa. I’m not scared of failure, but I’m sure if I tried to be José Mourinho, I’d fail spectacularly.”
Mourinho heaps praise on former player Arbeloa
On the eve of Wednesday’s meeting, Mourinho was asked about Arbeloa taking over his former club and could not have been more effusive with his praise.
“Arbeloa isn’t just a former player of mine - he’s like one of my kids,” Mourinho said, underlining the close relationship they forged. “Personally, he’s one of my favorite players. He may not have been the best player I ever had at Madrid, but he was one of the best men.
“I want everything to go well for him. I want Álvaro Arbeloa to succeed wherever he goes. And I want Real Madrid to do well under any coach. Imagine Madrid with Arbeloa at the helm - that’s exactly what I hope for. I care deeply about the club, and I care deeply about Álvaro.”
However, the former Chelsea, Inter, and Manchester United boss eventually drew the line somewhere. “The only time I hope things don’t go perfectly is tomorrow.”
What’s at stake in Lisbon
Real Madrid are already assured of a place in the knockout phase playoffs, but a victory in Lisbon - and probably even a draw - will ensure they qualify directly for the round of 16.
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