Benfica’s reward for eliminating Real Madrid with a 4-2 win and securing a place in the Champions League playoffs has been a familiar and daunting one: facing Real Madrid all over again.

Reacting to the draw, former Real Madrid manager José Mourinho, now in charge of Benfica, was characteristically blunt and respectful in equal measure. “We only had two options, Real Madrid or Inter Milan. There wasn’t much choice. We drew the king,” he said.

Mourinho also revealed a moment from the previous match that left a strong impression on his squad. “The other day, when a Real Madrid player offered me his shirt after the game, I jokingly showed my players the badge on it. Fifteen of them. They are the kings, with everything that comes with it.”

The Portuguese coach went on to underline that Real Madrid’s threat goes far beyond their history. “It’s not just about the past. We’re going to play against, arguably, the biggest contender to win the competition.”

For Real Madrid, failing to get past Benfica in the playoffs would represent a huge sporting setback, given their status and ambitions in Europe.

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