Jose Mourinho once again found himself in the spotlight after delivering a biting remark following Benfica’s 4-2 victory over Real Madrid on Thursday, January 29, 2026. Known as “The Special One,” Mourinho did not hesitate to jab at one of his former players.
A Tense Encounter in the Tunnel
The memorable moment unfolded in the stadium tunnel, where Mourinho confronted Dean Huijsen, the young defender who now plays for Real Madrid after leaving AS Roma. The match had seen Benfica dominate the Spanish giants, but Mourinho insisted the scoreline did not fully capture the extent of Madrid’s struggles.
According to the Portuguese coach, Los Blancos were extremely fortunate not to have conceded even more goals in a match that exposed defensive vulnerabilities across the backline.
A Sharp Comment for a Former Player
Mourinho was caught on camera engaging in a serious discussion with Huijsen after the final whistle. The young defender appeared visibly disappointed by the humiliating result, but Mourinho did not sugarcoat his analysis.
Speaking to TNT Sports, Mourinho revealed the candid nature of their exchange:
“Dean was my player at Roma, and he’s friends with my children,” Mourinho said.
“But I told him, ‘You’re lucky! Lucky it’s only 4-2,’ because it could have been much worse.”
The blunt words, though harsh, reflected a relationship built on honesty and mutual respect. Mourinho clearly felt comfortable speaking openly, even when the situation was sensitive for Huijsen.
A Goal Like No Other
The match itself was dramatic until the very last minutes. Benfica needed a significant goal difference to secure progression to the Europa League playoffs, and the breakthrough came in a stunning fashion.
In a breathtaking finale, Benfica’s goalkeeper, Anatoliy Trubin, ventured forward to support an attack. In a chaotic free-kick situation, Trubin managed to score an extraordinary goal, sealing Benfica’s qualification to the next round.
A goalkeeper scoring in such a high-stakes match symbolized the collapse of Madrid’s defense. Huijsen and his teammates seemed powerless against the relentless onslaught of the hosts.
A Brief but Memorable Connection at Roma
Mourinho and Huijsen share a short but meaningful history. Mourinho brought the young Spanish defender to AS Roma in January 2024 on loan from Juventus to bolster the club’s defensive line.
However, their time together was brief. Mourinho was dismissed just weeks after Huijsen’s arrival, yet the mentor-student bond remained intact. Fate would bring them together again, this time on the European stage as opponents—and unfortunately, it ended bitterly for Huijsen.
Potential Reunion Against Inter Milan
The drama surrounding Mourinho in the Champions League is far from over. He may soon face more familiar faces in the playoff stage.
Inter Milan is reportedly a potential next opponent, set to play the winner between Benfica and Bodo/Glimt. If this matchup materializes, it promises to be highly emotional—Mourinho is a club legend at Inter, having delivered the historic Treble.
Whether Mourinho’s European luck continues remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: his trademark psychological games have already begun heating up the competition.
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