Kylian Mbapp was at the center of the most talked about moment of the match, walking down the pitch near the technical area. As he walked past Jos Mourinho, the French forward made eye contact with Mourinho and made a subtle gesture. Just seconds after scoring against Benfica, the team is now managed by a Portuguese coach. At that moment, everything seemed to suggest that Real Madrid were in control of the game. Mbapp’s confidence was clear. But, as is often the case in football, a completely different story was in store.
Mbapp celebrated his goal with determination, little knowing that the gesture would later be frozen in an awkward image once the final result was known. Benfica defended well, adjusted their lines and found space when it mattered most. The decisive strike came in the 98th minute of stoppage time, giving Mourinho’s side their fourth goal and clinching an unexpected victory that silenced Madrid.
Mbapp locks eyes with Jos Mourinho
As it turns out, there was an irony in this scene that couldn’t be ignored. Mbapp made the first gesture, but in the end it was Mourinho who made the final call. In soccer, the first person to celebrate does not necessarily win, but the one who perseveres until the end. Benfica’s bench roared, while Real Madrid were left feeling like they had lost a game they once had a firm grip on.
Tomorrow, Friday 30th January, the draw will be held to determine Mourinho and his team’s Champions League Round of 16 opponents.
Given that the 9th or 10th placed team will play the 23rd or 24th placed team, Wednesday’s clash could be repeated as Real Madrid or Inter play Bodo/Glimt or Benfica. The probability is 50/50…
Meanwhile, Arsenal, Bayern, Liverpool, Tottenham, Barcelona, Chelsea, Sporting and Manchester City have already qualified for the round of 16.
Important dates for the upcoming UEFA Champions League:
Playoffs: February 17/18 and 24/25, 2026
Round 16 draw: February 27th
Round 16: March 10/11 and 17/18, 2026
Quarterfinals: 7/8 and 14/15 April 2026
Semi-finals: April 28/29 and May 5/6, 2026
Final: May 30, 2026 (Budapest)
