José Mourinho’s sad Real Madrid return

Alone, away from the spotlight, José Mourinho sat confined on the Benfica bus. After 13 years, his return to the Santiago Bernabéu was far from the homecoming he - or his movement, “Mourinhismo” - might have hoped for. As Álvaro Arbeloa put it months ago, Mourinhismo is “a way of doing things, going straight ahead, not being afraid to speak your mind and be who you are.”

Yet it was precisely Mourinho’s comments after Prestianni’s racist insult toward Vinicius that likely closed the door on any affection from Madrid fans. Even though he was not on the bench, his return saw no gestures of welcome, no chants honoring his presence, no recognition at all. There was no recognition of him as one of their own, nor any institutional nod from the club.

No meetings, no camaraderie

The anticipated meeting with Florentino Pérez never happened, even though the president was in the stands. Mourinho did not meet with Arbeloa after the final whistle, once the cameras had left. He returned to Madrid aware that the magic of the 4-2 victory at Da Luz had evaporated after he said Vinicius “acted foolishly” celebrating his goal by running to the corner in Lisbon.

Until the last moment, Mourinho considered giving press conferences, which UEFA allowed despite his suspension. Benfica blocked him from speaking before the match to keep the focus on the game and minimize attention around Prestianni, but he was free to speak afterward. Despite initially liking the idea, the lack of fan warmth and minimal support from Real Madrid ultimately convinced him not to go through with it.

Building at Benfica

The trilogy of matches has only strengthened Mourinho’s position at Benfica. “Benfica showed a strong image to their fans in this final stretch of the Champions League, especially after the 4-2 result. The team looked good against a powerful Madrid, and Mourinho played a key role in that success,” says Nuno Martins, a Record journalist specializing in Benfica coverage.

Nelson Fereitona of A Bola echoes the sentiment: “Benfica fans have enjoyed Mourinho. He has built a team that plays well and makes them proud. Most want him to stay, and that will be the real test. He faced Madrid head-on, and that says a lot.”

Hero in Lisbon, villain in Madrid

Mourinho returned to Lisbon a hero but left Madrid a villain. During the match, he avoided the press booth Real had set up, where journalists from all outlets were waiting. In truth, he avoided being seen altogether.

He retreated to the small, isolated bus, a quiet end to the dream that his return to Madrid might be celebrated. The spark ignited by Benfica’s miraculous 4-2 victory at Da Luz was quickly extinguished by Vinicius and the cold reality of Madrid.

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