Benfica’s impressive 2-0 victory over defending Serie A champions Napoli created plenty of headlines—but none louder than Jose Mourinho’s sharp response to remarks made by Napoli coach Antonio Conte after the match.
The two managers clashed indirectly through the media following the Champions League showdown at the Estadio da Luz on Thursday (December 11, 2025). Benfica stunned the Italian giants with a disciplined, energetic performance that reignited their hopes of advancing in the competition.
Benfica Deliver a Statement Win, Mourinho’s Gamble Pays Off
Mourinho surprised many when he opted to bench his primary striker Vangelis Pavlidis and instead handed a rare starting opportunity to Franjo Ivanovic. The decision proved inspired.
The Portuguese giants claimed victory through goals from:
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Richard Rios, who flicked home a clever finish at the near post
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Leandro Barreiro, who sealed the win with another well-worked strike
Speaking to Sky Sport Italia, Mourinho praised his team’s recent improvement.
“The team has played very well over the last three or four weeks. I saw the quality we produced against Sporting, so I expected another strong performance today,” he said.
He also acknowledged the difficulty of facing Conte’s Napoli:
“I know exactly how tough it is to face a Napoli side with such a high-level coach. Playing against a team that uses a three-man defense is never easy. But we handled it well and fully deserved the win.”
Conte’s Explanation Doesn’t Impress Mourinho
After the match, Antonio Conte attributed Napoli’s defeat to fatigue, injuries, and a lack of sharpness in attack. However, Mourinho clearly felt the explanation was more excuse than reality.
“Saying that Benfica were simply fitter physically sounds like an excuse,” Mourinho replied bluntly.
The Special One then explained his tactical reasoning for starting Ivanovic over Pavlidis.
“We read the match well. I chose Ivanovic because he gives us different movements. Pavlidis often drops into positions that make him easier to press for a team like Napoli. Ivanovic creates more unpredictability against a back three.”
Mourinho continued by praising the mentality of his squad—something he has often emphasized throughout his managerial career.
“The players showed character, intelligence, and the Benfica mentality. When the pressure is highest, you must step forward. We knew that failing to win today would eliminate us. Now, with six points, we are back in the fight.”
Benfica Rising After a Poor Start
Before their resurgence, Benfica were in a disastrous position, losing their first four Champions League matches of the season. But back-to-back wins—2-0 away at Ajax and now 2-0 over Napoli—have suddenly given them a lifeline.
The turnaround has shifted the narrative surrounding Benfica’s European campaign, which many had written off early. Mourinho’s tactical clarity, squad rotation, and emphasis on intensity appear to be at the center of this revival.
The Serie A Debate: Do Italian Teams Struggle in Europe?
Beyond the match itself, a broader discussion emerged regarding the tempo of Serie A and whether the slower pace compared to other major European leagues is hindering Italian clubs in the Champions League.
When asked about this theory, Mourinho offered a nuanced response:
“It’s hard for me to give a definitive answer. In Portugal, we face similar challenges. The last Portuguese team to win the Champions League did so more than 20 years ago, and the last Italian team won it 15 years ago. So yes, there is some truth to the argument.”
He then pointed to the financial landscape of modern football:
“Teams that win the Champions League are generally those who invest the most. Even so, some clubs spend heavily and still fail to win. Inter reached two finals in the last three years, so Italian teams are not as weak as some claim.”
His comments subtly highlight the widening financial gap between traditional football powers and the modern superclubs dominating Europe.
A Familiar Reminder: Mourinho Was the Last to Bring Glory to Both Nations
In a twist rich with irony, Mourinho reminded reporters—directly or indirectly—that the last time a team from Italy or Portugal won the Champions League, he was the one managing them.
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FC Porto (2004) – Mourinho shocked Europe by taking a Portuguese side all the way to the summit.
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Inter Milan (2010) – He delivered an iconic treble, including the Champions League title, which remains the last won by an Italian team.
This context adds an interesting layer to his critique: he has firsthand knowledge of what it takes to lift the trophy.
Conclusion: Benfica Back in the Mix, Mourinho Back in the Headlines
Benfica’s victory over Napoli not only revived their Champions League campaign—it reignited the always-entertaining rivalry of words between two of football’s most charismatic and intense managers.
With Mourinho’s tactical tweaks working brilliantly and Benfica rediscovering confidence, the Portuguese club suddenly looks capable of challenging for qualification once again.
As for Conte, pressure is mounting. Napoli must now respond quickly to avoid an early exit in what was supposed to be a promising European season.
And knowing Mourinho, this war of words may only be getting started.
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