Jose Mourinho has sensationally claimed that Benfica 'cannot be a racist club' after Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior accused one of his players of abuse during Los Blancos' 1-0 win over the Portuguese side in the Champions League knockout play-offs. Instead, the former head coach of the Spanish club has claimed that the Brazilian international incited Tuesday night's chaos in Lisbon.
Vinicius Jr scored the only goal of an otherwise controversial fixture as Real Madrid beat Benfica 1-0 in the first leg of their Champions League knockout play-off. The Brazilian forward's second-half strike was followed by a lengthy delay for an alleged racist remark from a Benfica player to Vinicius. Play continued, and Madrid held on for a crucial lead in the tie.
Real Madrid's Champions League play-off clash against Benfica descended into chaos after Vinicius Junior gave Los Blancos the lead in the first leg in Lisbon. The Brazilian winger fired in an unstoppable opener just five minutes into the second half, but his celebration sparked ugly scenes and a 10-minute delay ensued as the goal-scorer accused Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni of racism.
Folarin Balogun scored two goals inside 18 minutes in Monaco's Champions League knockout round playoff with Ligue 1 rivals Paris Saint-Germain. The goals were Balogun's fourth and fifth in the Champions League this season and among the most vital scored in the striker's career. Balogun is the first American with a brace in a UCL knockout game.
Jose Mourinho is preparing for an emotional reunion as his Benfica side host Real Madrid in a high-stakes Champions League play-off on Tuesday. With "The Special One" dominating the pre-match narrative, speculation is mounting over a potential return to the Santiago Bernabeu. Amidst the noise, the Portuguese manager has finally addressed the rumours and clarified the existence of a unique clause in his contract that has Europe’s elite on high alert.
For a particular generation of AC Milan fans, those who grew up in the early 2000s, one name stands out above any other. Andriy Shevchenko combined technical skill with a ruthlessness in front of goal that made him one of the best strikers the game has ever seen, a Ballon d'Or winner and a worthy entrant into GOAL's Hall of Fame...
No one can create a siege mentality like Jose Mourinho. Benfica were almost universally written off when they welcomed Real Madrid to Estadio da Luz in the final round of league phase fixtures for this season's Champions League, having lost five of their first eight games, including a shocking 3-2 home defeat to Azerbaijani minnows Qarabag.
Three Bodo/ Glimt vs Inter Milan predictions for their Champions League playoff first-leg clash on Wednesday evening, including value on a goalscorer pick.
Jose Mourinho is bracing for a backlash, warning that Real Madrid will be "dangerous" as they prepare to face his Benfica side in a high-stakes Champions League play-off. The Special One finds himself on the opposite side of the touchline, looking to inflict more misery on his former employers following a shock victory in the League phase. However, despite the magnitude of the occasion, the Portuguese tactician insists he is unfazed, citing his lifetime of experience in Europe's elite competition as the key to navigating the tie.
Benfica goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin is still processing the moment he became an unlikely Champions League hero. The Ukrainian shot-stopper opened up about the chaotic confusion in the dugout before his 98th-minute header secured a stunning 4-2 victory over Real Madrid, which earned a classy post-match gesture from Thibaut Courtois.
Real Madrid have issued an injury update on star striker Kylian Mbappe ahead of their meeting with Benfica on Tuesday night. The Spanish giants play the Portuguese side in their Champions League playoff clash as the two sides vie to secure a spot in the last-16 of Europe's elite club competition. The fixture sees the sides meet just weeks after Benfica's dramatic 4-2 win over Los Blancos in the group phase.
The official confirmation of Roberto De Zerbi's Marseille departure arrived at 2:35 on Tuesday morning. In that sense - and that sense alone - the timing of the news was odd. But there was nothing else remotely surprising about De Zerbi's exit. It had been coming for some time, and Sunday's humiliating 5-0 loss to Paris Saint-Germain at Parc des Princes was obviously the final nail in De Zerbi's coffin.
Paris Saint-Germain legend David Ginola has admitted it is largely impossible to compare the club from previous decades to today’s iteration of European champions, though conceded there is one main similarity. PSG finally won their first Champions League title at the end of last season, becoming only the second French side to lift the trophy, with a team featuring stars such as Ousmane Dembele and Vitinha. Ginola was speaking to GOAL at PSG's new 'La Maison' experience in at a townhouse in London. The hope is that a new audience will be able to discover the club's "creative universe" built around sport, culture and Parisian lifestyle.
Real Madrid and UEFA have announced that they have ended their legal dispute over the proposed Super League. The Spanish giants were the only club still signed up to the failed project, as Barcelona withdrew their support last week.
Monaco have beaten PSG in four of their last seven meetings in all competitions. Benfica will hope their six-goal thriller against Real made an impact.
Mauricio Pochettino has once again indicated that he wants to return to Tottenham as he claimed their recent achievements are "not enough" for a club of that stature. Despite his current commitments with the United States national team, the Argentine said his ultimate ambition is to win the Champions League and Premier League, placing them above achieving World Cup glory in his current role.
