Mourinho: 'A wounded king is dangerous' as Benfica face Real Madrid

Jose Mourinho warned that Real Madrid will be "dangerous" as they prepare to face his Benfica side in a high-stakes Champions League play-off, refusing to be carried away by the memory of Benfica's 4-2 league victory. "They are wounded. And a wounded king is dangerous," he said, noting that the earlier defeat — a chaotic night sealed by Anatoliy Trubin’s 98th‑minute header — has only provoked the 15-time European champions.

He added with a smile, "Trubin won't be in the attack at the Luz stadium this time," before stressing his own experience: "I've been doing it all my life." Selection headaches loom at the back after right-back Amar Dedic's fitness was put under close scrutiny; the 22-year-old has made 32 appearances across all competitions and must be handled with care.

The situation is further complicated by the defender's upcoming observance of Ramadan, which could be a consideration for his physical management. There was better news on Fredrik Aursnes, whose recovery from a muscle injury is trending positively.

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