The head coach of "Benfica," Jose Mourinho, has decided not to communicate with journalists before and after the return match of the Champions League against Real Madrid. The Portuguese coach took advantage of UEFA regulations that allow a suspended coach to appoint an assistant to participate in press conferences. Due to his red card in the first match, which occurred as a result of emotional protests against referee François Letexier, Mourinho will not be able to attend the match at the "Santiago Bernabéu." The suspension prohibits him from being in the technical area and interacting with the team during the game.
The situation surrounding the match escalated amid a racism scandal that arose after the game in Lisbon. Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior reported receiving insults from Benfica midfielder Gianluca Prestianni. As a result, UEFA temporarily suspended the Argentine for one match and launched an investigation. Mourinho also faced criticism for his comments suggesting that Vinicius's goal celebration could provoke a negative reaction from the stands. The organization Kick It Out condemned his position, while former England defender Rio Ferdinand expressed support for the Portuguese coach. Before the return match in Madrid, Benfica finds itself in a disadvantageous position, trailing 0:1 on aggregate.
