The fallout from Real Madrid’s 1–0 win over Benfica has taken a classic José Mourinho turn. While much of the football world is focused on the racism allegations involving Vinícius Júnior and Gianluca Prestianni, the “Special One” used his post-match press conference to launch a scathing attack on referee François Letexier, accusing him of systemic bias in favor of his former club.
Mourinho will now miss the return leg at the Santiago Bernabéu on February 25th after being sent off in the final minutes of the match.
The “Secret Note” Accusation
Mourinho’s dismissal came after a heated exchange on the touchline. The Portuguese manager was furious when Vinícius Júnior—already on a yellow card—escaped a second booking for a foul on Richard Ríos.
In a vintage post-match interview with Diario AS and Amazon Prime, Mourinho didn’t hold back:
“I was sent off because I said something very clear: The referee had a note that basically said Tchouaméni, Carreras, and Huijsen cannot get a yellow card! He knew that if he booked them, they would be suspended for the second leg. I’ve spent 1,400 games on the bench; I know how this works.”
Defending Prestianni and “Independent” Stance
On the racism allegations that stopped the game for 11 minutes, Mourinho took a controversial neutral stance that has already sparked backlash from pundits like Thierry Henry and Clarence Seedorf.
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On the Incident: “I talked to Vinícius and he said one thing, Prestianni said another. I want to be independent; I don’t believe one or the other.”
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On Benfica’s Identity: Mourinho reminded the media of the club’s legacy: “The biggest person in the history of this club was Black [Eusébio]. The last thing Benfica is, is racist.”
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On Vinícius: Mourinho questioned why the Brazilian is so often at the center of such storms: “Something is wrong because it happens in every stadium. In every stadium where Vinícius plays, something happens. Always.”
A “Wounded” Real Madrid Merited the Win
Despite his anger at the officiating, Mourinho conceded that Álvaro Arbeloa’s side was the superior force on the pitch.
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The Tactical Shift: Mourinho noted that this Madrid side—now featuring a “muscular” midfield—was vastly different from the team Benfica beat 4–2 just 20 days ago in the league phase.
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The Result: “Madrid deserved the win; they were stronger. But millions are watching, and after a ‘crazy’ goal like that, the game should be about football, not this.”