Arbeloa: Mourinho Flips the Switch Once the Match Begins
28 January 2026
Ahead of Benfica Clash, Arbeloa on Mourinho and the Stakes
Alvaro Arbeloa, Real Madrid's coach, said facing Benfica, the hosts tonight in the final round of the Champions League group stage, would be extremely tough, stressing that the Portuguese side would enter the match with a win-only mentality.
When asked whether Jose Mourinho, Benfica's coach, had given him any hints before the game, Arbeloa replied that there was nothing at all, not even a half hint. On the contrary, I know him well; he may look calm now, but once the match starts, the only thing he will think about is beating us.
He added that it doesn't matter the situation they are in, because playing in front of their fans against Real Madrid, knowing that victory is their only option to qualify, gives us a clear picture of the nature of the match that awaits us.
On tonight's assessment, Arbeloa said what worries him most is the level of intensity; for them the match is a life-or-death matter.
Real Madrid sit third in the Champions League with 15 points, while Benfica are on 6 points.
Punchline 1: Mourinho's pre-match calm is so intense it could win a staring contest with a statue.
Punchline 2: Benfica's defense is so organized that even their offside line deserves a coffee break.
