Real Madrid vs Benfica: Wounded Kings Clash

Real Madrid vs Benfica is forming up to be one of the heated matches of the knockout phase of the champions league. There is already tension, and the statements of the camp of Benfica have only piled more fuel to the fire.

Following the dramatic win of Benfica over Real Madrid in January 4-2, the two European powerhouses will be again pitting their heads on a two-legged playoff to secure a spot in the last 16 of the UEFA champions league. That loss took Madrid into the playoff path and deprived them of the direct qualification.

Jose Mourinho, the Benfica coach, thinks that the second confrontation will be much harder. In a post-match observation on the win by his league over Santa Clara, Mourinho claimed that Madrid is a wounded king. It was a respectful and warning statement.

Mourinho says that Real Madrid are in their most dangerous stage right now. They enter into this tie wounded, tested and encouraged to react. History supports that view. Madrid are used to making their fortune when times are toughest and they have a habit of retaliating when things are at its peak.

Benfica are however not giving up. Mourinho indicated that the first leg will be taken as an intelligent, confident and ambitious one. He rejected the possibility of a safe first-leg result. According to his perception, there is no early tie in this level.

The belief of Benfica was demonstrated in the previous meeting. Even the goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin contributed to the defeat of Madrid decisively. But Mourinho realizes that it will not be easy to replicate such an outcome particularly with Madrid being fully aware of what is at stake.

The story is evident as Benfica is about to host the first leg. Real Madrid are hurt, but hurt kings have the most to fight. In the case of Benfica, this is a challenge of character as well as talent. To Madrid it is a question of instilling sanity to their favourite match.