Mourinho returns to the Bernabeu with a challenge

Mourinho returns to the Bernabeu with a challenge

The Santiago Bernabeu was once Jose Mourinho's home. He never set foot in his own home again after leaving Real Madrid in 2013. Mourinho is returning to the Bernabeu after 13 years. This time, however, in a different role, as the coach of Real's opponents Benfica. The two teams will face each other today in the second leg of the Champions League last-16 play-off. Real won 1-0 in the first leg at Benfica thanks to a goal by Vinicius Junior.

Mourinho's return to the Bernabeu has been quite challenging. Not only is the team behind, but UEFA has temporarily banned his team's Argentine forward Gianluca Prestianni for allegedly racially abusing Vinicius in the first leg. As a result, he is unable to play in today's important match. UEFA said that the temporary punishment is due to an investigation. If found guilty in the investigation, Prestianni could face a bigger punishment. It could be a 10-match ban. The allegation is that after Vinicius scored in the first leg, Prestianni covered his face with his jersey and said something to him. Vinicius immediately ran to the referee and complained that Prestianni had racially abused him. Kylian Mbappe supported him and said that Prestianni called Vinicius a 'monkey' at least five times. The game was stopped for about 10 minutes over the issue. Real's players wanted to leave the field. The referee showed Mourinho a red card that day because of this incident. That is why the Portuguese coach will not be able to stand in the Benfica dugout today. However, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is thinking of bringing Mourinho back next season.

It goes without saying that the aftermath of the first leg incident will be quite good in today's match. Real coach Alvaro Arbeloa said that Vinicius is in the right mental state despite the racist comments. The Brazilian star was seen in a very cheerful mood with his teammates in yesterday's training. Real is confident in his partnership with Mbappe. However, Real lost 2-1 against Osasuna in La Liga last Saturday. If they play like that match, the Spanish giants can be hit again. Benfica, however, won Saturday's league match 3-0.

Real has an injury problem. Star midfielder Jude Bellingham and defender Eder Milita are suffering from hamstring injuries, midfielder Dani Ceballos is out with an ankle injury. And Brazilian forward Rodrygo will not be able to play due to suspension. Defender Dean Huissen suffered a muscle injury in the loss against Osasuna. There are still concerns about him today. Apart from Prestianni's suspension, Benfica only has Joao Veloso injured.

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