How Mourinho Deceived Everyone and Watched the Match Between Real Madrid and Benfica from the Bus?

SadaNews - The Portuguese coach of Benfica, Jose Mourinho, chose a strange location to watch his team's match against Real Madrid in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League qualifying playoffs.

Mourinho was prohibited from sitting on the bench at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium after being red-carded in the first leg last week at the "Da Luz" stadium due to his protests over refereeing decisions.

Mourinho Deceived Everyone

The Spanish newspaper "Marca" confirmed that Mourinho deceived the media and dozens of its reporters who were waiting for his arrival at the designated location for him in the stands of the Real Madrid stadium; instead, he decided to watch the match from inside the Benfica bus via a tablet.

Mourinho was supposed to sit in box number 6 located on the eighth floor of Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, where more than 30 journalists gathered in a narrow corridor waiting for his arrival, "but its door remained closed," signaling his absence, according to the newspaper.

The newspaper indicated that this box was the same one from which German coach Hans Flick of Barcelona watched the league classic against Real Madrid, which took place last October and ended with a 2-1 victory for "Los Blancos."

SadaNews commented that media interest in Mourinho reached a level that made him the center of attention, even for a moment, instead of the match that was deciding qualification for the round of 16 in the Champions League.

It added, "Despite Mourinho's absence, anticipation in the press stand for his possible arrival remained, with dozens of mobile phones pointed toward the empty box."

The situation reached a "peak of absurdity" when UEFA intervened to prevent the filming of Mourinho, "who did not actually appear at all, thus, his return was shrouded in secrecy, invisible, and closer to confidentiality," according to "A Bola."

Mourinho's Return to Madrid

Mourinho returned to the Bernabéu Stadium for the first time after 4652 days since his departure from Real Madrid, where he previously coached for three seasons between 2010 and 2013.

However, his return did not go as hoped, as Benfica lost again, this time by a score of 1-2, resulting in the Portuguese team being eliminated from the Champions League with a total score of 1-3 over both legs.

As for Real Madrid, which has already secured a spot in the round of 16, it awaits the draw scheduled for tomorrow, Friday, to find out its next opponent in the tournament, which could either be a new matchup against Manchester City or an easier one against Sporting Lisbon.

Source: The Spanish Press