Kylian Mbappé was at the center of one of the most talked about moments of the match as he walked across the pitch near the technical area. As he passed in front of José Mourinho, the French forward locked eyes with him and made a subtle gesture, just seconds after scoring against Benfica, the team now coached by the Portuguese manager. At that moment, everything seemed to suggest that Real Madrid had the match under control. Mbappé’s confidence was clear. However, as football so often does, it had a very different story prepared.
Mbappé celebrated his goal with determination, unaware that the gesture would later be frozen as an awkward image once the final outcome was known. Benfica held firm, adjusted their lines, and found space when it mattered most. In stoppage time, in the 98th minute, the decisive blow arrived: the fourth goal for Mourinho’s side, sealing an unexpected victory and silencing Madrid.
Mbappé locks eyes with José Mourinho
In the end, the scene carried an irony that was hard to ignore. Mbappé made the first gesture, but it was Mourinho who ultimately had the last word. In football, it’s not always the one who celebrates first who wins, but the one who endures until the very end. Benfica’s bench erupted, while Real Madrid were left with the feeling that they had let a match slip away that once seemed firmly in their grasp.
Tomorrow, Friday, January 30, the draw will be held to determine Mourinho and his team’s opponent in the Champions League round of 16.
Considering that the teams ranked 9th or 10th will face teams 23rd or 24th, it is possible that Wednesday’s matchup will be repeated, as Real Madrid or Inter will play against Bodo/Glimt or Benfica. There is a fifty percent chance…
On the other hand, Arsenal, Bayern, Liverpool, Tottenham, Barcelona, Chelsea, Sporting, and Manchester City have already secured their place in the round of 16.
Upcoming important dates for the UEFA Champions League:
Play-offs: February 17/18 and 24/25, 2026
Round of 16 draw: February 27
Round of 16: March 10/11 and 17/18, 2026
Quarterfinals: April 7/8 and 14/15, 2026
Semifinals: April 28/29 & May 5/6, 2026
Final: May 30, 2026 (Budapest)
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