Overview
- Asked about taking the Real Madrid job, the Benfica coach rejected the speculation and said he would not engage in a media 'soap opera.'
- Real Madrid are operating without a permanent manager after Xabi Alonso’s exit, with Álvaro Arbeloa installed as interim head coach until season’s end.
- Arbeloa’s early tenure included a Copa del Rey upset against Albacete followed by a league win over Levante that drew whistles and white handkerchiefs from home fans.
- Mourinho, appointed by Benfica in September on a contract running to 2027, has won 15 of 25 matches in charge and remains unbeaten in league play this season.
- Benfica will host Real Madrid in their final Champions League league-phase fixture on January 28, reuniting Mourinho with his former club.