“JOSE MOURINHO was handed a major boost ahead of Benfica’s Champions League rematch with Real Madrid after Rodrygo was banned for both legs. Uefa confirmed the Brazilian forward will miss the entire play-off tie for using abusive language towards match officials during Madrid’s dramatic 4-2 loss to Benfica, reports Marca. Sign up for the Football”, — write: www.thesun.co.uk
Uefa confirmed the Brazilian forward will miss the entire play-off tie for using abusive language towards match officials during Madrid’s dramatic 4-2 loss to Benfica, reports Marca.
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Jose Mourinho’s Benfica will play Real Madrid three times in a row in the UEFA Champions League this seasonCredit: Reuters
Rodrygo is sent off for Real Madrid after getting another card during Madrid’s last league phase UEFA Champions League gameCredit: Getty The disciplinary committee applied its regulations covering insults towards referees, resulting in a two-match ban that rules Rodrygo out of both encounters.
It leaves Real boss Álvaro Arbeloa without one of his most dangerous attacking outlets at a crucial moment in the competition.
Rodrygo had apologised following the incident, but the sanction still stands and now significantly weakens Madrid’s options in the final third.
The suspension is another major setback for the Spanish giants, who are already dealing with the absence of Jude Bellingham through injury.
Despite those blows, Real Madrid still head into the tie as favourites on paper, although complacency could prove costly against Mourinho’s resurgent Benfica.
The Portuguese side earned their play-off spot in dramatic fashion after a chaotic clash between the two teams 12 days ago.
In extraordinary scenes, goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin became the unlikely hero by scoring a stoppage-time header to seal Benfica’s progression.
With the game deep into added time, Trubin pushed forward for a set-piece despite his side already leading, as Benfica needed to increase their goal difference on the league phase table of the UEFA Champions League.
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Match stats: Benfica vs Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League on January 28, 2026 Fredrik Aursnes delivered a pinpoint free-kick and the Ukrainian stopper rose highest to nod past Thibaut Courtois in the 98th minute.
The goal sparked wild celebrations as Trubin sprinted away before being mobbed by team-mates, substitutes and staff.
That dramatic finish ensured Benfica snatched the final play-off qualification spot on goal difference, while Real were denied automatic progression.
The draw has now set up an immediate rematch between the two sides, a pairing that has already sparked debate among supporters.
Some fans even claimed the tie felt “too convenient” given the recent showdown and its explosive ending.
But conspiracy theories aside, Mourinho will relish another shot at his former rivals, particularly with Real weakened by suspension and injury.
And with Rodrygo watching from the stands, the Special One may already feel he has edged the psychological battle before a ball has even been kicked.
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