Club legend gives verdict on Real Madrid vs Benfica UCL tie – “Don’t expect more surprises” | OneFootball

After an action-packed sequence between Real Madrid and SL Benfica at Estadio da Luz, which ended up becoming one of the best Champions League matches of this season, the two teams have been drawn again in the UCL playoff round.

Indeed, after suffering a 4-2 defeat at the hands of Jose Mourinho’s Benfica, Real Madrid will have to beat the Eagles now in order to seal a ticket to the Round of 16.

Toni Kroos’ view on Real Madrid – Benfica game

Former Real Madrid midfield great Toni Kroos reacted to the UCL draw in his Einfach mal Luppen podcast (h/t Diario AS).

Talking about Real Madrid’s draw with Benfica, the German admitted that he does not expect any more surprises from Jose Mourinho’s team.

“Madrid could face Benfica again, but I don’t expect any surprises,” said Kroos, whose retirement in 2024 has hurt the team badly.

However, the former midfielder pointed out that a potential risk for Real Madrid could be fixture congestion, as Los Blancos would have ideally liked to avoid playing additional UCL matches in February.

Can Jose Mourinho once again defeat his former team? (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

“What might bother Madrid the most is having to play two extra matches with such a tight schedule. Clearly, the reason for this hasn’t pleased them much either,” he said.

Kroos made a pointed criticism towards Real Madrid for not being able to finish inside the top eight, adding, “If you start the matchday in third place and face Benfica, you assume you’ll just get through the process and finish in the top eight.”

Kroos went on to heap praise on the new Champions League format, which has created such immense last-minute dramas.

“It was really fun. One goal could turn everything upside down. Sporting’s goal in the 94th minute in Bilbao knocked Real Madrid out of the top eight. Chelsea went 2-3 up and then took the lead, so Real Madrid needed just one more goal to get back into the top eight,” he said.

Kroos concluded by referring to Mourinho’s tactics, just because the Benfica team needed another goal to enter the top 24.

“I saw the interview with Jose; he even brought on two defenders at 3-2 until someone told him they only needed one more goal to qualify. True to form, he said that’s what the goalkeeper was for. It was crazy, but very exciting. I love the format,” he concluded.