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Mourinho Insists Benfica Can Still Qualify After Fourth Straight Champions League Defeat

He cites the remaining fixtures as proof that the league-phase math keeps Benfica alive.

Overview

  • Benfica’s 1-0 home loss to Bayer Leverkusen left them on zero points and 35th in UEFA’s 36-team league phase.
  • José Mourinho said “nobody can convince me that we’re out,” stressing there are 12 points left and suggesting around nine could suffice.
  • Benfica visit Ajax on Nov. 25 before hosting Napoli on Dec. 10, fixtures Mourinho cast as essential to staying in contention.
  • Goal reports Benfica sit four points off 24th-place Napoli, with the top 24 advancing to the Champions League play-off rounds.
  • Mourinho denied punishing a player for a costly error and criticized Leverkusen’s approach and perceived refereeing leniency.