Wounded king returns and Mourinho is aware of the danger

The king (Real Madrid) returns to Lisbon. And Jose Mourinho knows exactly what that means.

"They are wounded. And a wounded king is dangerous," said the Benfica manager ahead of another Champions League collision with Real Madrid (Tuesday, 11 pm).

Last month, the football world stood still at the Estadio da Luz. Benfica beat the 15-time European champions 4-2 in a night of pure chaos, sealed by a 98th-minute header from goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin. Two red cards for Madrid. A fall from third to ninth in the standings. Shock. Pride bruised.

UCL: Mou's keeper scores in 90+8 to kill Real Madrid, Barca storm from behind to get into top 8!

Alas, now comes the rematch in the UCL playoffs.

"We know what we did to the kings of the Champions League," Mourinho said, talking to the press on Monday. "But there is no definitive result in a first leg. People think you need a certain score. I don't believe that."

The Portuguese coach, who once commanded Madrid himself, expects a different animal this time.

"This tie will be very demanding, without a doubt," he warned. "I've been doing this all my life. These are the kinds of matches that are decided by details."

One hand signal and two 'Go!' shouts that changed Mou's fortunes and killed Madrid

He even joked about the hero of the previous meeting.

"Trubin won't be in attack at the Luz," Mourinho smiled, referencing the goalkeeper's unforgettable late winner.

Benfica may be third in Portugal and needed a miracle to reach the knockouts after losing their first four league-phase matches, but belief is growing. They have already hurt the giants once.

Real Madrid arrive top of La Liga, two points clear of Barcelona, carrying history - and revenge. Mourinho knows better than most what Madrid represents. And he knows something else too: when you wound a king, you must be ready for his response.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - PLAYOFFS

First leg

Tuesday

20.45: (3.60) Galatasaray (3.50) Juventus (2.15)

23.00: (4.20) Benfica (3.60) Real Madrid (1.95)

23.00: (2.10) Dortmund (3.50) Atalanta (3.80)

23.00: (5.70) Monaco (4.50) PSG (1.60)

Wednesday

20.45: (7.75) Qarabag (4.50) Newcastle (1.42)

23.00: (5.00) Bodo (3.90) Inter (1.68)

23.00: (3.85) Club Brugge (3.90) Atl.Madrid (1.95)

23.00: (2.50) Olympiakos (3.35) Leverkusen (2.85)

***odds are subject to change***