Benfica boss Jose Mourinho has sent a message to Real Madrid ahead of the Champions League play-off.



Benfica goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin scored with almost the final kick of a 4-2 win over the Spanish giants to secure a play-off spot on goal difference for Mourinho’s side who will clash against the Spanish giants once more.

Having previously described Arbeloa as “his boy”, Mourinho did not hold back against a Madrid side who have struggled in the Champions League this season.

Speaking in his latest press conference ahead of the clash, Mourinho sent a warning to his former side who reports suggest he is desperate to get revenge against after falling out with the side.

“(I know it will be) Very demanding, without a doubt. We’ve only played the first leg of the tie.

“Trubin (the Benfica keeper who scored against Real Madrid last time out) won’t be in the attack at the Luz stadium. I’m very used to these kinds of ties.

“I’ve been doing it all my life. People often think you need a certain result in the first leg for this or that reason. I say there is no definitive result.

“We will play the first leg with our heads, ambition, and confidence. We know what we did to the kings of the Champions League.

“They are wounded. And a wounded king is dangerous.”

Bayern Munich legend Lothar Matthaus has opened up on Harry Kane’s future.

The England captain has scored 126 goals in 131 appearances for Bayern since his 95M transfer from Tottenham in 2023, a deal which now looks like a bargain on paper.

At 32 years old, many reports have speculated on his future as he is linked with the MLS and the Saudi Pro League. However, speaking to Sky Sports Deutschland, club legend Lothar Matthaus is convinced he will stay.

“I don’t believe he’ll leave Bayern. Money isn’t his top priority; it’s feeling comfortable – with the coaches, his team-mates, and his family.

“He’s settled in well with his children. Bringing his family along is a huge step. I have the feeling that money isn’t what matters to him. In Saudi Arabia, he’d probably earn three or four times as much. I’m convinced that Harry Kane will extend his contract with FC Bayern.”

The Tottenham legend now has 41 goals for the Munich side this season, including 26 in the league where he is the top scorer by some distance.

Kane was already the highest-scoring Englishman, having surpassed Jimmy Greaves’ total of 474 in December. Now, with the World Cup quickly approaching, he will aim to continue that form across the US, Mexico and Canada in a few months time.

Mikel Arteta fears Arsenal’s growing injury list could damage their bid to win the quadruple.

Arteta’s side booked their place in the FA Cup fifth round with a 4-0 win against Wigan at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

But the Gunners’ ruthless dismissal of the League One strugglers was marred by injuries to Riccardo Calafiori and Ben White.

Italy defender Calafiori suffered a problem in the pre-match warm-up and was unable to play, while right-back White was forced off in the second half.


Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard did not feature in the fourth round tie after sustaining a knock in Arsenal’s 1-1 draw against Brentford on Thursday.

Germany forward Kai Havertz is set to be absent for at least the remainder of the month and Spain midfielder Mikel Merino is expected to be out for the rest of the season after undergoing foot surgery.

With Arsenal top of the Premier League, through to the Champions League last 16 and due to face Manchester City in the League Cup final, Gunners boss Arteta conceded the fitness woes were starting to become alarming.

“Yes. Before it was the strikers, then it was the defenders and now it is the midfielders,” he said.

“We are coping with that. But we need some players back and fit, not only for numbers but different options in relation to the opponents we have, so the quicker they are back the better.”