Mourinho visits friend in hospital after leaving Benfica hotel before Real Madrid tie

In partnership with

OffsAIde

·25 February 2026

Mourinho visits friend in hospital after leaving Benfica hotel before Real Madrid tie

José Mourinho left Benfica's team hotel early to visit a friend in a Madrid hospital a few hours before facing Real Madrid, according to Glorioso 1904.

The Portuguese coach departed in the early afternoon with a clear purpose, a personal visit that had been planned in advance and did not affect the squad's competitive schedule.

OneFootball Videos

Benfica's preparations continued as normal. The adaptation session at the Santiago Bernabéu, set for 16:15 local time, 15:15 in mainland Portugal, was pushed back slightly for reasons unrelated to Mourinho's brief absence.

Mourinho did not attend Tuesday's press conference. Assistant João Tralhão fulfilled media duties alongside Fredrik Aursnes.

Benfica are due back in action on Wednesday, 25 February, against Real Madrid. The second leg of the Champions League play-off is scheduled for 20:00 at the Bernabéu.

Source: Glorioso 1904