Mourinho makes unusual first return to Real Madrid amid Champions League controversy

Little by little, attention is turning toward the Champions League showdown between Real Madrid and Benfica. Two major storylines dominate the buildup: José Mourinho’s return to the Santiago Bernabéu after everything that happened in the first leg, and the status of Gianluca Prestianni, who is available again after serving a suspension for yellow card accumulation in Portugal.

On the first point, Mourinho has informed Benfica’s leadership that he will attend both the pregame and postgame press conferences. UEFA regulations allow it, even though he is banned from the technical areas during the match itself. He has also confirmed that he will travel to the Bernabéu.

Mourinho’s complicated return to the Bernabéu

It is worth remembering that Mourinho was sent off in the first leg after receiving two yellow cards for angrily protesting a foul committed from behind by Vinícius Jr. Referee François Letexier chose not to show the Brazilian a yellow card. Had he done so, it would have been Vinícius’ second and he would have missed Wednesday’s game.

Benfica will contact Real Madrid to determine the best place in the stadium for Mourinho to watch the match. It would not be the first time the Portuguese coach chose to stay away from the stadium so he could watch the game quietly and communicate by phone with his staff without television cameras catching him. UEFA rules prohibit that as well.

Mourinho’s comments after the first leg have added tension to his return to the club he managed from 2011 to 2013. During that period, he won a LaLiga title, a Copa del Rey and a Spanish Super Cup. After the game, he blamed Vinícius for the racist insults directed at him by Prestianni, suggesting the Real Madrid forward had provoked the incident during his celebration.

In any case, as AS has reported, Real Madrid never considered the possibility of Mourinho returning to the bench at the Bernabéu. The club’s trust in Álvaro Arbeloa and the new project remains absolute.

Benfica coach recalls near return to Real Madrid

Following Benfica’s 4-2 win in the group stage, Mourinho revealed that he has not returned to the Bernabéu since leaving Real Madrid, though he nearly did.

“My friend Óscar Ribot had everything ready, but the day before Benfica called me and I had to go to Lisbon to sign,” he said.

More recently, Mourinho added, “I hope I go unnoticed, that Madrid fans support their team and that even if Benfica advances, Arbeloa wins LaLiga and stays for a long time.”

Now, aside from the occasional reaction from the crowd, the anticipated reception for Mourinho will likely happen without him being visible to the global soccer audience.

Will Gianluca Prestianni play agianst Real Madrid?

On the field, the coach has a full squad available. Benfica are arguably enjoying their best stretch of the season. They are coming off a 3-0 league victory over AVS, sit seven points behind leaders Porto and have rediscovered their attacking spark.

Right back Amar Dedic and Norwegian midfielder Fredrik Aursnes were rested against AVS. Both are still dealing with minor muscle issues but are expected to play.

The only real question mark, though he is still expected to travel to Madrid, is Heorhiy Sudakov, who is dealing with lower back pain and was not included in the squad against AVS.

The other major talking point, as mentioned earlier, is whether Prestianni will start. According to Mourinho, that decision appears nonnegotiable.

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