Real Madrid manager, Xabi Alonso has insisted that it will be “special” for new Benfica manager, Jose Mourinho when both teams clash in the UEFA Champions League in the coming months.
Mourinho was recently appointed as Benfica’s new manager after he was sacked by Fenerbahce.
However, the 62-year-old is now set to face his former club, Real Madrid, in the league phase of the Champions League on January 28, 2026.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of Real Madrid’s LaLiga clash with Espanyol on Saturday, Alonso said of Mourinho (via Madrid Xtra on X): “Playing against Mourinho? I had the chance to face him when he was at Roma and I was at Leverkusen.
“It will be special for him. It was three very intense years, very important. He has a huge affection for this club.”
Mourinho has faced Alonso in the Europa League in the past during his time at AS Roma.
The Portuguese led Roma to beat Bayer Leverkusen under the guidance of Alonso in the past.