Benfica's Mourinho plays down Real Madrid return rumour before rematch
Benfica coach Jose Mourinho insisted he is capable of saying no to Real Madrid president Florentino Perez as he played down rumours of a return to the Spanish giants on Monday..
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Benfica coach Jose Mourinho has downplayed recent rumors linking him to a return to Real Madrid, despite facing them in a UEFA Champions League play-off rematch. Mourinho confirmed he has a clause in his Benfica contract that allows him to leave, but stressed it was due to upcoming presidential elections at the club, not a potential move to Madrid.
- Mourinho led Real Madrid from 2010-2013.
- Benfica hosts Real Madrid in the Champions League play-off first leg on Tuesday.
- Mourinho previously guided Benfica to a 4-2 victory over Alvaro Arbeloa's Real Madrid in January.
- Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga highlighted a "spirit of revenge" for the upcoming match.
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Barcelona Suffers La Liga Defeat; PSG and Benfica Prepare for Champions League Playoffs - February 2026
Barcelona suffered a significant blow to their La Liga title defense after losing 2-1 to Girona in a derby match on Monday, February 16, 2026, leaving them two points behind league leaders Real Madrid. In other league news, Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams is sidelined indefinitely with a groin problem, as announced by the club on Monday. Meanwhile, in the Champions League, Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique has downplayed suggestions of dressing room issues ahead of their playoff first leg against domestic rivals Monaco. In a separate fixture, Benfica coach Jose Mourinho addressed rumors of a return to Real Madrid before their UEFA Champions League play-off rematch, confirming he has a contract clause allowing him to leave but stressing it was related to upcoming club elections.
