Suspended Mourinho set to appear at Santiago Bernabeu for Real Madrid vs Benfica | OneFootball

Real Madrid are set for a high-voltage night at the Santiago Bernabeu as they host Benfica in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League playoff. 

While qualification remains the primary objective, the spotlight is drifting beyond tactics and line-ups.

Two storylines are dominating the build-up, which are the ongoing tension between Vinicius Jr. and Gianluca Prestianni, and the return of Jose Mourinho to Madrid.

According to AS, Mourinho has informed the Benfica staff that he will attend both the pre-match and post-match press conferences in the Spanish capital. 

As such, UEFA regulations permit him to fulfil media duties despite his suspension. 

However, he will not be allowed to occupy any of the technical areas inside the stadium after being sent off during the first leg.

Mourinho was sent off

It must be noted that the Portuguese coach, who also coached Real Madrid earlier in his career, was dismissed in the first leg after picking up two yellow cards for strongly protesting a foul. 

Mourinho will be present at the Bernabeu. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

His reaction on the touchline overshadowed parts of the match, but what followed afterwards created even greater controversy.

In his post-match remarks, Mourinho suggested that Vinicius had provoked the racist abuse he suffered from Prestianni during celebrations. 

Those comments triggered strong reactions and have placed added scrutiny on his return to the stadium where he once enjoyed major success.

Return ruled out

Years after guiding Real Madrid to multiple titles, Mourinho returns under a different context.

Meanwhile, despite speculation in some quarters, we have reported that Real Madrid have never considered bringing Mourinho back to the bench. 

This is because the club’s confidence in current head coach Alvaro Arbeloa remains absolute.

Lastly, Wednesday night certainly promises drama, as the Bernabeu will be watching closely for how old tensions and new rivalries unfold.