Real Madrid v Benfica: Slavko Vincic appointed, Mourinho memories linger | OneFootball

UEFA has appointed 46-year-old Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic to take charge of Real Madrid v Benfica, the second leg of the play-off for a place in the Champions League last 16. The tie comes amid heightened tension following the first meeting at Estádio da Luz.

According to Glorioso 1904, José Mourinho previously praised Vincic in Türkiye after a fierce Fenerbahçe v Galatasaray clash ended 0-0 at the champions’ ground, during a period when foreign officials were a major talking point.

Mourinho said the match was excellent because the officiating was very good, highlighting Vincic’s experience, integrity and mentality to handle a very demanding environment. He also felt the game suited both sides, who fielded top players.

He argued that if referees reflected on Vincic’s display and aimed for clean, honest officiating, the season could finish well, but warned that if the circus seen since the start of the year continued, the outcome would differ. He even told the Turkish fourth official the match would have been a disaster had he been in the middle.

Vincic also refereed at the Luz when Mourinho’s Fenerbahçe were eliminated from Champions League qualifying, a match that proved the Portuguese coach’s last in charge of the club. Before this season, Benfica had not won with Vincic officiating in Europe, recording three draws and one defeat.

Source: Glorioso 1904