Special one! José Mourinho becomes the first coach in history to lead 7 different teams in the Champions League knockout stage
Despite a narrow defeat, yesterday's match was still a landmark occasion for José Mourinho.
Details: The Champions League playoff clash between Benfica and Real Madrid was a special one for the Lisbon side’s head coach, José Mourinho.
By guiding Benfica into the tie against Real, José Mourinho became the first manager in Champions League history to reach the knockout stage with seven different clubs.
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The Champions League knockout rounds had previously been conquered by Mourinho with the following teams:
- Porto.
- Chelsea.
- Inter.
- Real Madrid.
- Manchester United.
- Tottenham.
- Benfica.
Despite the narrow 0-1 defeat in yesterday’s match, Benfica still have a chance to pull off a sensation at the Bernabéu and turn the tie on its head.
Mourinho took charge of Benfica in September 2025. Since then, the "Special One" has managed 42 matches at the helm, recording 24 wins, 9 draws, and 9 losses.
Kenley Ward
Dailysports's expert
