Getty Images'I've been doing it all my life' - Jose Mourinho admits 'wounded kings' Real Madrid will be 'dangerous' but Benfica boss insists he's 'used to' big Champions League challenges
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Advanced protection across 11 devices with high-speed VPN
Advanced
Those that sign up for ExpressVPN's most popular plan, the Advance plan, gain access to a high-speed VPN, which offers high-capacity 40Gbps servers in many high-demand locations, with VPN servers in 113 countries worldwide.
The VPN can be applied across 12 different devices simultaneously, and offers Advanced Protection that blocks ads, trackers and malicious and adult websites. A dedicated IP is available to be purchased as an add-on.
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There is a 30-day money-back guarantee for new users. The plan is available on a one-month rolling contract, although those that sign up for a 12-month plan (offering one year plus an extra three months) can save more than 60%, while those that sign up for a two-year plan (offering two years plus an extra four months) can save 73%. Both longer-term plans include a 3GB holiday.com eSIM that is valid for three days in 150+ destinations.
Over 28 monthsSave 73%
Protect 14 devices with the top ExpressVPN plan
Pro
Those that sign up for ExpressVPN's top-tier Express Pro plan gain access to a high-speed VPN, which offers high-capacity 40Gbps servers in many high-demand locations, with VPN servers in 113 countries worldwide.
The VPN can be applied across 14 different devices simultaneously, and offers Advanced Protection that blocks ads, trackers and malicious and adult websites. A dedicated IP is included with the Express Pro plan.
Additionally, ExpressVPN's Advanced plan includes the ExpressMailGuard, which offers an unlimited private email relay plus an unlimited number of shared aliases and 20 custom domains, ExpressKeys, which gives users a password management facility for an unlimited number of passwords plus a 2FA authenticator, and ExpressAI, an AI assistant that offers 500 credits a day, six AI models, a web search facility plus 2GB storage.
There is a 30-day money-back guarantee for new users. The plan is available on a one-month rolling contract, although those that sign up for a 12-month plan (offering one year plus an extra three months) can save around 60%, while those that sign up for a two-year plan (offering two years plus an extra four months) can save 67%. Both longer-term plans include a 3GB holiday.com eSIM that is valid for five days in 150+ destinations.
Over 28 monthsSave 67%
Protect 10 devices with high-speed VPN
Basic
Those that sign up for ExpressVPN's entry-level Basic plan gain access to a high-speed VPN, which offers high-capacity 40Gbps servers in many high-demand locations, with VPN servers in 113 countries worldwide.
The VPN can be applied across 10 different devices simultaneously, and offers Lite Protection that blocks ads and malicious and adult websites. A dedicated IP is available to be purchased as an add-on.
Additionally, ExpressVPN's Basic plan includes the ExpressMailGuard, which offers a 10MB/month private email relay plus 10 shared aliases.
There is a 30-day money-back guarantee for new users. The plan is available on a one-month rolling contract, although those that sign up for a 12-month plan (offering one year plus an extra three months) can save more than 60%, while those that sign up for a two-year plan (offering two years plus an extra four months) can save 80%.
Over 28 monthsSave 80%
Advanced protection across 11 devices with high-speed VPN
Advanced
Those that sign up for ExpressVPN's most popular plan, the Advance plan, gain access to a high-speed VPN, which offers high-capacity 40Gbps servers in many high-demand locations, with VPN servers in 113 countries worldwide.
The VPN can be applied across 12 different devices simultaneously, and offers Advanced Protection that blocks ads, trackers and malicious and adult websites. A dedicated IP is available to be purchased as an add-on.
Additionally, ExpressVPN's Advanced plan includes the ExpressMailGuard, which offers a 100MB/month private email relay plus 50 shared aliases and a custom domain, and ExpressKeys, which gives users a password management facility for an unlimited number of passwords plus a 2FA authenticator.
There is a 30-day money-back guarantee for new users. The plan is available on a one-month rolling contract, although those that sign up for a 12-month plan (offering one year plus an extra three months) can save more than 60%, while those that sign up for a two-year plan (offering two years plus an extra four months) can save 73%. Both longer-term plans include a 3GB holiday.com eSIM that is valid for three days in 150+ destinations.
Over 28 monthsSave 73%
Getty Images SportSelection headaches for the Special One
Despite the psychological edge of their recent victory, Mourinho is navigating a potential selection crisis regarding his defensive line. The Portuguese manager is sweating over the fitness of right-back Amar Dedic, who has been essential to Benfica's European run this season. The Bosnian defender has made 32 appearances across all competitions, but his condition is being monitored closely.
Mourinho admitted that finding a "balanced solution" for a game of this magnitude is difficult if the 22-year-old is missing, noting that Dedic must be handled with care. The situation is further complicated by external factors, as reports suggest the defender's upcoming observance of Ramadan could be a consideration for his physical management.
However, there is positive news regarding Fredrik Aursnes. The versatile Norwegian had been a concern since missing the trip to the Azores with a muscle injury, but his recovery is trending positively, raising hopes that he could feature at the Estadio da Luz.
AFPThe weights of expectation at Estadio da Luz
Benfica currently sit third in the Portuguese Primeira Liga and are desperate to translate their domestic consistency into a deep European run. The manager’s vast experience in two-legged knockout ties is seen as the club’s biggest asset. Mourinho remains defiant about his pedigree, reiterating that he thrives under this specific pressure. He has spent decades mastering the art of the Champions League knockout stage, and he expects his players to match that mental fortitude when the whistle blows on Tuesday night.
The first leg in Portugal will set the tone for the entire tie. Real Madrid’s status as "wounded kings" makes them unpredictable, but Mourinho’s intimate knowledge of the club's DNA could be the deciding factor. While the focus remains on the stars on the pitch, the battle of wits between the benches will take center stage. As the Special One puts it, there is no such thing as a "definitive result" in the first leg, but he will certainly be looking to ensure his side heads to the Bernabeu with something to defend.
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