Benfica head coach Jose Mourinho commented on the upcoming clash with Real Madrid in the Champions League playoffs. The Portuguese knows that the Madrid club, after the defeat in Lisbon, is deprived of a dangerous opponent, but reinforces his testimony in the great European matches.

“We will play the first match with a cool head, ambition and passion,” said Mourinho. – People think that a specific result is needed in the first match. I’m telling you, there’s no residual result. We spent our whole lives and we know how our lives are under pressure."

Specially adding about the “wounded queens”:.

" And the king of injuries is not careless. My team may be ready for their reaction. We know that we have already worked with them in the Champions League, but now everything is different"

About the personnel situation:.

" It is very important for our defense, and if the decision is wrong, it can cost dearly. Good news – Fredrik Aursnes is recovering from injury and will probably return to the field.”.

Mourinho also emphasizes the psychological aspect:.

“This is the Champions League playoff, here is a headache - a cool head and mental toughness. We have been playing under pressure for decades, and my people know how to handle themselves in such matches."

Guess what, Mourinho also spoke about the Ukrainian goalkeeper Anatoly Trubin.

The first match between Benfica and Real Madrid will take place on February 17th. Cob – about 22:00 Kyiv time.