According to reports from David Ornstein and Mario Cortegana of The Athletic, Mourinho is the preferred choice of President Florentino Perez. While the Portuguese tactician is currently under contract with Benfica, a specific release clause—reportedly around €3m—makes him a low-risk economic gamble for Madrid.

While Ornstein and Cortegana noted that Perez’s decision does not have unanimous support within the club—contrasting with the previous pursuit of Xabi Alonso, which was led by General Manager Jose Angel Sanchez— the club president is taking personal charge of this selection process.

Mourinho’s performance since leaving Real Madrid

Since departing Real Madrid in 2013, Mourinho has managed several of Europe’s most prominent clubs:

• 2013–2015: Chelsea
• 2016–2018: Manchester United
• 2019–2021: Tottenham Hotspur
• 2021–2024: Roma
• 2024–2025: Fenerbahce
• 2025–Present: Benfica

In terms of silverware, since his exit from the Spanish giants, he has secured the following trophies:

With Chelsea:

• Premier League: 2014–15
• League Cup: 2014–15

With Manchester United:

• League Cup: 2016–17
• FA Community Shield: 2016
• UEFA Europa League: 2016–17

With Roma

• UEFA Conference League: 2021–22

Other options for Real Madrid

While Mourinho is reportedly Florentino Perez’s top choice, there are other managers on Real Madrid’s radar. One of them is Lionel Scaloni, whose contract expiration with Argentina has opened the door for speculation about a move to the Spanish capital following the 2026 World Cup.

He isn’t the only Argentine on the shortlist, as reports have also linked Mauricio Pochettino as a potential candidate. The current USMNT head coach is under contract through the end of the next World Cup, but he hasn’t ruled out a return to the club level.

Jurgen Klopp’s name has also surfaced, though reports suggest his need for long-term project-building is seen as a potential obstacle. Finally, Didier Deschamps has been mentioned, as he is set to leave the French National Team after the 2026 World Cup; however, L’Équipe reports that his camp denies any rumors linking him to Real Madrid.

Sporting beat themselves over and over again as they missed a penalty that could’ve given them the lead. However, Luis Suarez missed it only to see Schjelderup score a penalty for the other team minutes after.

The curse for Sporting repeated itself as they actually scored at the 90th minute what would’ve been the game winner. Unfortunately for them, VAR disallowed the goal for a slim offside. Seconds after the play, Benfica found in Rafa the hero as he scored the game-winning goal.

[Watch Sporting CP vs Benfica online in the US on Fubo]

A marquee Lisbon derby takes center stage this weekend as Sporting CP and Benfica clash in a matchup loaded with title implications in the Primeira Liga. Benfica, sitting on 69 points, still has slim championship hopes.

However, As Aguias are primarily chasing a runner-up finish and a Champions League qualifying spot, while Sporting trails leader Porto by five points with a game in hand—making a win here critical to keeping their title push alive down the stretch.

When will the Sporting CP vs Benfica match be played?

Sporting CP play against Benfica in a Matchday 25 clash of the 2025/2026 Primeira Liga this Sunday, April 19, with kickoff scheduled for 1:00 PM (ET). Follow Sporting CP vs Benfica live with us!

Sporting CP vs Benfica: Time by State in the USA

ET: 1:00 PM
CT: 12:00 PM
MT: 11:00 AM
PT: 10:00 AM

How to watch Sporting CP vs Benfica in the USA

Catch this 2025-26 Primeira Liga clash between Sporting CP and Benfica in the USA on Fubo (direct link to the game here).

The pressure remains squarely on the hosts following the result; Porto maintain their commanding seven-point lead over Benfica in the standings. While the late equalizer saved face for the ‘Águias,’ the failure to secure all three points effectively keeps the title destiny firmly in the hands of the Dragons with just nine rounds remaining.

Relive every goal—including the dramatic late leveler from Leandro Barreiro—tactical adjustment, and heated post-match confrontation in our full breakdown of the 2-2 stalemate in Lisbon.

[Watch Benfica vs Porto online in the US on Fubo]

The Primeira Liga spotlight shines brightly this weekend as Porto and Benfica collide in one of Portugal’s fiercest rivalries with major title implications. Porto sits atop the standings with 65 points, holding a four-point edge over Sporting CP and a seven-point cushion over Benfica.

A win would strengthen Porto’s grip on first place, while Benfica urgently needs three points to tighten the race and keep its championship hopes alive in this pivotal showdown.

When will the Benfica vs Porto match be played?

Benfica will take on Porto in a Matchday 25 clash of the 2025/2026 Primeira Liga this Sunday, March 8, with kickoff scheduled for 2:00 PM (ET).

Benfica vs Porto: Time by State in the USA

ET: 2:00 PM
CT: 1:00 PM
MT: 12:00 PM
PT: 11:00 AM

How to watch Benfica vs Porto in the USA

Catch this 2025-26 Primeira Liga clash between Benfica and Porto in the USA on Fubo. Other options: Benfica TV INT.

During the match’s official coverage, television cameras identified a supporter making a racist political gesture. UEFA‘s Control, Ethics, and Disciplinary Body responded by issuing a financial penalty and a suspended partial stadium closure.

“To fine Real Madrid C.F. €15,000 and to order the partial closure of Real Madrid C.F. stadium (i.e. 500 adjacent seats of the lower south stand), during the next one (1) UEFA club competition match in which Real Madrid C.F. will play as host club, for the racist and/or discriminatory behaviour of its supporters. Said stadium closure is suspended during a probationary period of one (1) year, starting from the date of the present decision,” UEFA stated in an official release.

Because the closure is suspended, Real Madrid will be permitted to operate at full capacity when they host Manchester City on Wednesday, March 11, for the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16. The sanction will only be triggered if a similar incident of discriminatory behavior occurs within the one-year probationary window.

The incident sparked significant controversy, as it occurred just as the teams took the pitch and fans displayed a ‘No to Racism‘ banner in solidarity with Vinicius Jr. following his recent accusations against Benfica‘s Prestianni.

Real Madrid take immediate action against supporter

Real Madrid moved swiftly to distance the club from the individual’s actions. Security personnel at the Santiago Bernabeu identified and ejected the supporter shortly after the gesture was broadcast.

“Real Madrid C.F. communicates that it has urgently requested the club’s Disciplinary Commission to initiate an immediate expulsion procedure for the member caught by television cameras,” the club stated in an official statement. “This member was located by club security members moments after appearing in the broadcast and was immediately expelled from the stadium”.

The club concluded by reaffirming its stance against intolerance: “Real Madrid condemns these types of gestures and expressions that incite violence and hatred in sport and in society”.

The coach made a strong statement about the potential consequences for his player. As journalist Fabrizio Romano revealed on his Instagram account, the coach warned that if Prestianni’s words were true, his career with Mourinho and Benfica would be over.

“I love Arbeloa and I will continue to love him but I think I took the right position about that case. I took position without defending one or attacking another. I clearly said he didn’t want to wear either Real white jersey or Benfica’s red jersey in a situation that could eventually be serious, that I said after the game,” Mourinho said.

“That’s why I tell you to read the Declaration of Human Rights and I repudiate any discrimination or prejudice. I also tell you that if you prove that my player did not respect these principles, this player’s career with coach Mourinho and Benfica comes to an end.”

Anticipation builds over final decision

Jose Mourinho is undoubtedly one of the most experienced coaches in European soccer today, not only because of his achievements but also for how he manages his squads.

For this reason, he still maintains a cloud of uncertainty regarding Prestianni’s situation and a potential sanction after his incident with Vinicius Jr during the latest Champions League playoffs: “I’m not a literate person… but I’m not ignorant either. I put the presumption of innocence and always put a if.

“Unfortunately, UEFA had preferred to keep the player away from game looking at article 416328… and they went in the direction of not getting into ‘IFs.’ If the player is effectively guilty, I won’t look at him the same way again and it’s over with me. But I have to put a lot of ‘IFs’ ahead.”

A recent report from the Portuguese outlet Correio da Manha alleged that Prestianni admitted to his teammates that he did, in fact, direct a racial slur toward the Brazilian forward during the first leg.

In response to these claims, Benfica issued a new statement on Thursday, once again coming to the defense of the 20-year-old midfielder and categorically denying the report.

“Benfica categorically deny that the player Prestianni informed the squad or the Club’s structure that he had made a racist insult toward Vinícius Júnior of Real Madrid,” the club stated in an official statement.

“As has already been made public, the player apologized to his teammates for the incident that occurred during the match against Real Madrid, regretting its scale and consequences, and assuring everyone — just as he did from the very first moment — that he is not racist,” the statement concluded.

Prestianni criticizes UEFA

After UEFA reached a final decision to uphold Prestianni’s provisional suspension for the second leg against Real Madrid—rejecting Benfica’s appeal to have the player available—Prestianni broke his silence in a now-deleted post where he took a direct shot at the European governing body.

Writing on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Prestianni described UEFA as ‘a disgrace,’ alleging that ‘they’re not even trying to hide their bias against Real Madrid anymore.’ However, just minutes after the post went live, Prestianni opted to delete it.

The outburst follows a highly contentious week for the player, who was sidelined for the decisive matchup at the Santiago Bernabeu while UEFA continues its investigation into racism allegations made by Vinicius Jr.

The matchup had been overshadowed by racism allegations made by the Brazilian international against the Argentine midfielder in the first leg, resulting in Prestianni’s suspension for the return fixture.

Having served as a pivotal figure throughout the tie—scoring key goals in both the first and second legs—Vini took to his Instagram account to share a three-word message: “The dance continues!!!!!!”

After facing significant criticism over his goal celebrations—including pointed remarks from Benfica manager Jose Mourinho—Vinicius Jr. did not hesitate when he scored the decisive goal that sealed the series for Real Madrid.

The Brazilian international headed directly for the corner flag to perform his trademark dance; however, this time, the celebration took place in front of his own supporters at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Who will Real Madrid face in the Round of 16?

Having successfully navigated the knockout phase playoff, Real Madrid have maintained their historic streak as the only club never to be eliminated before the Round of 16 in the Champions League era. With 30 appearances in the competition, the Spanish giants have reached the final 16 on every single occasion.

With their ticket now officially punched, Alvaro Arbeloa’s men must wait for the UEFA draw on Friday, February 27. Due to the new tournament structure and their 9th-place finish in the league phase, Real Madrid are locked into a bracket that will see them face either Manchester City or Sporting Lisbon.

The draw in Nyon will determine which of these two seeded sides will host the decisive second leg, with the first-leg matches scheduled to take place at the Santiago Bernabeu on March 10 or 11.

The action was relentless from the very start between Real Madrid and Benfica. In more ways than one, tensions boiled over, as Benfica fans clashed with police before the Champions League rematch and the controversy surrounding Gianluca Prestianni and Vinicius Jr. took center stage. Still, setting all the outside noise aside, both sides delivered entertaining football on the pitch throughout the entire series.

In the end, Real Madrid prevailed, largely thanks to their 1-0 victory at Estadio da Luz in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League knockout phase playoffs. To clear any doubts, Real Madrid won 2-1 at home in the second leg. The 3–1 aggregate score in favor of Real Madrid meant the 15-time European champions remain in the hunt for the 2025–26 title.

Who are Real Madrid playing in round of 16?

After knocking Benfica out of the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League, Real Madrid have yet to discover who will be their next opponent. However, they have a pretty clear idea. Real Madrid will take on either No. 7 Sporting CP or No. 8 Manchester City.

Had Benfica defeated Real Madrid, they could’ve met with their cross-town rivals. That wasn’t the case, and instead, it will be Real Madrid who face another Portuguese side or go up against Pep Guardiola’s club.

When will Real Madrid learn their next opponent?

The round of 16 draw will be held on Friday, February 27th at 6:00 AM Eastern Standard Time (EST). During the draw, the quarterfinal and semifinal will be decided, as well. No more draws will be held during the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League, meaning teams will follow the path of the bracket until the final, which will be held at Puskas Arena in Budapest, Hungary on Saturday, May the 30th.

Potential matchups

• Man. City vs Real Madrid and Sporting CP vs Bodo/Glimt
• Sporting CP vs Real Madrid and Man. City vs Bodo/Glimt

Real Madrid have faced Sporting CP four times in Champions League history, according to UEFA.com, recording three victories and one draw. As for Manchester City, Real Madrid have played them 15 times, with a perfectly balanced record: five wins, five losses, and five draws.

If Real Madrid draw Manchester City in the round of 16, it would mark the seventh elimination-round matchup between the two clubs. Moreover, it would be the fifth straight year they face off (2021–22 semifinals, 2022–23 semifinals, 2023–24 quarterfinals, 2024–25 knockout phase playoffs).

A notable feature of his goals: the celebratory dance in the corner, performed this time in front of his home supporters, after giving Real Madrid the lead and possibly the spot in the Round on 16.

In a gripping first half at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, Benfica stunned the home crowd with an early goal from Rafa Silva. However, just two minutes later, Tchouaméni leveled the match for Real Madrid, capitalizing on a precise assist from Federico Valverde with a powerful strike that showcased the French international’s caliber.

The Portuguese side pressed vigorously to equalize the aggregate score, but thanks to resilient defending and the imperious presence of Thibaut Courtois, Benfica struggled to find the net. Eventually, Vini Jr. seized a counterattack opportunity to beat Anatoliy Trubin, sealing a decisive 2-1 victory for the hosts.

Real Madrid’s path to the Round of 16

Real Madrid have now confirmed their place in the Champions League round of 16 following their victory over Benfica. The team awaits the draw to learn their next opponent on the European stage, while Benfica shifts focus to contest the national championship title against the likes of Porto and Sporting CP.

Fans are eager to see if Real Madrid will have Kylian Mbappe back for the next round, as his absence against Benfica have been a topic of concern among the supporters.

Looking ahead, Real Madrid appear poised for another successful Champions League campaign. Following a brief domestic setback that led to Xabi Alonso’s departure, Los Merengues are placing their trust in Álvaro Arbeloa to navigate the challenges that await.