Mourinho's Bernabeu Return Disrupted by Ban and Racism Dispute
Jose Mourinho has not returned to the Santiago Bernabeu since departing Real Madrid in 2013, yet his Champions League comeback with Benfica this Wednesday will prove far more challenging than first thought.
Mourinho is barred from the dugout for the playoff return leg, having been dismissed during his side's 1-0 loss in the initial match in Lisbon last week.
The 63-year-old faced criticism for his contentious remarks following claims of racial abuse directed at Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior by Benfica midfielder Gianluca Prestianni.
The Argentine faces a one-match ban for the second leg, as UEFA has temporarily suspended him while probing the matter.
Mourinho, who secured a La Liga trophy with Los Blancos over his three years in charge, left a lasting mark on the Spanish club amid intense clashes with Barcelona and internal divisions in the squad.
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez remains a strong supporter of the Portuguese manager, and speculation continues about Mourinho potentially stepping in next season to succeed Alvaro Arbeloa should the current term go poorly.
The Spaniard, a former protege of Mourinho during his time leading the 15-time European kings, confronts his toughest challenge yet since taking over from Xabi Alonso in January, with Benfica heading to the Spanish capital.
Mourinho received his marching orders in the first leg due to heated protests from the sidelines.
The manager claimed referee Francois Letexier was reluctant to caution Madrid players who risked missing the return fixture.
"I have spent 1,400 games on the bench and I could tell he knew exactly who to caution and who to spare," Mourinho remarked sharply.
"I will not be on the bench, I cannot enter the dressing room, I cannot contact the team," he continued. "It is tough for me, but my colleagues and assistants are present, they will handle their duties."
Prestianni Suspended
The opening leg was marred by Prestianni's supposed racial insult towards Vinicius.
UEFA's choice to bench the Benfica player for one match has somewhat reduced the strain before the return, though he might sit out at least 10 if the governing body confirms racial misconduct.
Vinicius posted on social media after the match that "racists are ultimately cowards", while Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe supported his colleague, stating he overheard Prestianni labelling the winger a monkey.
The 20-year-old Benfica midfielder denies racially abusing Vinicius, who covered his mouth with his shirt after the Brazilian's brilliant strike that decided the game at the Estadio da Luz.
Mourinho mentioned speaking with both players, receiving conflicting accounts of the incident.
The Portuguese manager then described Vinicius's goal celebration as provocative and insisted Benfica harbours no racism, pointing to their legendary figure Eusebio, who was black.
"He suggests it is acceptable to respond to provocation from Vinicius with racism, and that is deeply misguided," said ex-Netherlands midfielder Clarence Seedorf on Amazon Prime.
"We must never condone racial abuse under any circumstances."
Real Madrid defender Trent Alexander-Arnold called the episode, which halted the second half for about 10 minutes, a "stain on football".
The return fixture looms under this cloud as Madrid aim to sidestep an embarrassing premature knockout by Mourinho and advance to the last 16.