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José Mourinho Set to Return to the Bernabéu for First Time Since 2013
The Champions League draw brings a familiar face back to the Bernabéu, nearly 13 years after his last appearance on that touchline.
A Reunion Written by the Champions League
The Champions League playoff draw has paired Real Madrid with Benfica, the same side that defeated them 4–2 in Lisbon and denied them a direct place in the round of 16.
But beyond the sporting stakes, the tie carries a powerful emotional subtext: José Mourinho is set to return to the Santiago Bernabéu, this time on the opposing bench.
The Last Time Mourinho Coached at the Bernabéu
Mourinho’s most recent match at the Bernabéu dates back to June 1, 2013, when Real Madrid defeated Osasuna 4–2 in the final game of the LaLiga season.
Just weeks earlier, Florentino Pérez had announced that the Portuguese coach would step down at the end of the campaign, bringing an intense and polarizing chapter to a close.
A Tenure That Changed Madrid’s Modern Era
That night marked the end of a nearly three-year spell defined by extremes. Mourinho arrived after winning the Champions League with Inter, tasked with challenging Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona at the height of their dominance.
He delivered a LaLiga title, a Copa del Rey—both at Barcelona’s expense—and reestablished Real Madrid as a genuine force in Europe. At the same time, his tenure left deep divisions within the fanbase and sparked repeated clashes with players and the media.
Back as the Enemy, Not the Ally
On February 24 or 25, Mourinho will walk back into the Bernabéu tunnel, now with the clear objective of eliminating Real Madrid from the Champions League.
The reception remains one of the great unknowns. Despite the scars of his departure, all signs point toward a respectful ovation for a coach who reshaped the club’s competitive edge on the continental stage.
Previous Visits as an Opponent
Mourinho has faced Real Madrid at the Bernabéu on two previous occasions as a rival, both times with Porto. In the 2001/02 Champions League, Madrid edged a 1–0 win, while the 2003/04 meeting ended in a 1–1 draw.
This time, the context is different—and the symbolism far stronger. Nearly 13 years later, Mourinho’s return to the Bernabéu promises to be one of the most emotionally charged nights of the European season.
