Jose Mourinho has warned that Real Madrid will be at their most “dangerous” when they face Benfica in Tuesday’s Champions League play-off first leg.
The clash comes just weeks after Benfica’s stunning 4-2 win over the Spanish giants, a match decided by a 98th-minute header from goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin.
That defeat dropped the 15-time champions into the play-off spots, while completing a miracle comeback for Mourinho’s side, who lost their first four league-phase games.
“They are wounded. And a wounded king is dangerous,” said former Madrid boss Mourinho.
“We know what we did to the kings of the Champions League, but we must play with heads and ambition.”
While Real Madrid currently lead La Liga, they arrive in Lisbon seeking revenge for the dramatic collapse that saw them finish the last meeting with nine men.
“Trubin won’t be in the attack this time,” Mourinho joked, adding that he expects a “very demanding” tie. Kick-off is at 20:00 GMT at the Estadio da Luz.
