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Real Madrid broke Mourinho. Now he could break them with Benfica

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Real Madrid broke Mourinho. Now he could break them with Benfica


José Mourinho was never going to fade away quietly. That reality will feel like a recurring nightmare for Real Madrid as they prepare to face Benfica with their UEFA Champions League ambitions on the line.

Having turned the “Special One” into the “Normal One” during three fractious years at the Bernabéu between 2010-13, Madrid know enough about Mourinho to expect a sting in the tail when they compete with his Benfica team for a place in the round of 16 over the next eight days.

Mourinho has already returned to haunt his former club this season by overseeing last month’s incredible 4-2 league-phase victory for Benfica — sealed by goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin‘s memorable headed goal in stoppage time — which dragged Madrid into the playoffs and kept the Lisbon team in the competition. The two clubs were then paired together to meet again on Tuesday at Estadio da Luz ahead of next Wednesday’s second leg in Madrid.

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But with Mourinho tipped to succeed Roberto Martínez as Portugal coach following the 2026 FIFA World Cup, every Champions League tie could now be the 63-year-old’s last. And this matchup could not be a more fitting occasion for Mourinho to delay his Champions League farewell — a game in the competition that made him against the club that broke him.

Is Mourinho the type of personality who would take great satisfaction from taking revenge against Madrid, 13 years after leaving the Bernabéu, by knocking them out of the Champions League? Absolutely.

It’s true that, since his three years as Madrid coach came to an end in 2013, after winning just one LaLiga, Copa del Rey and Supercopa, Mourinho has won more major honors than most coaches. But he has always been the type to measure himself against the best rather than the rest.

He won a Premier League title with Chelsea in 2015, the UEFA Europa League with Manchester United two years later — he also won League Cups while at Stamford Bridge and Old Trafford — and the UEFA Conference League with AS Roma in 2022. But the really big stuff on Mourinho’s CV came before he walked into the Bernabéu and engaged in the dual battle of managing a skeptical dressing room at the same time as taking on Pep Guardiola’s Lionel Messi-inspired Barcelona team.

Before he took charge of Madrid, Mourinho was a serial winner — Champions League titles with FC Porto and Inter Milan (the later as part of a treble), domestic cups galore in Portugal, England and Italy, and six league titles in eight years with Porto, Chelsea and Inter.

He amassed 17 trophies in those eight years, but just nine in the 16 years since with Madrid, Chelsea (again), United, Tottenham Hotspur, Roma and Fenerbahce. The rot set in at Madrid.

At the Bernabéu, there were bust-ups with powerful and influential senior players including Iker Casillas and Sergio Ramos, and he also lost his air of invincibility during a bruising rivalry with Guardiola. Having previously commanded a sense of undying loyalty from big players at Porto, Chelsea and Inter, Mourinho lost that connection at Madrid and it never returned, with similar clashes with star players — Eden Hazard (Chelsea), Paul Pogba (Man United), Dele Alli (Spurs) — during subsequent managerial roles at other clubs.

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Did José Mourinho get lucky with Benfica’s playoff qualification?

Gab Marcotti and Julien Laurens break down the dramatic finish to Benfica’s clash with Real Madrid, where goalkeeper Anatoly Trubin stunned everyone by scoring a last-minute header to send Benfica through to the Champions League playoffs.

Sources who worked with Mourinho during his two spells at Chelsea say he was a changed character in his second period in charge. His time at Real Madrid left permanent scars and made him a more abrasive, unpopular character in both the dressing room and the boardroom. Mourinho has also been unable to revive his record as a winner of the biggest trophies, despite working for some elite clubs and, as a consequence, his jobs have become less attractive with each spin on the managerial merry-go-round.

Publicly, Mourinho has said that his time at Madrid was a high point. He told Portugal’s Channel 11 in 2019: “Real Madrid was my best experience because of what I learned as a coach, as a man, from the lessons I took in my career and in my life. It’s the best memory of my career, it was fantastic.” But the reality suggests something different.

It was the biggest job of Mourinho’s career, but it ended with a lack of fulfillment and the levels of success expected by him and Real, his time at the Bernabéu will always carry an air of “what might have been.”

But no matter where he has been, Mourinho has never lost the ability write his own headlines, and the 4-2 win against Madrid last month was classic Mourinho. Had he not ordered his goalkeeper Trubin to go forward in a final roll of the dice, Benfica would have failed to score the crucial goal to take them into the playoff round, and there would be no doubleheader with Madrid to look forward to this week.

Mourinho has not coached a team at the Bernabéu since leaving in 2013 — he guided Inter to Champions League glory against Bayern Munich at the stadium in the 2010 final — so his return to Madrid for the second leg next week will evoke all kinds of emotions, both for Mourinho and the home supporters.

So there is every reason for Real Madrid to be wary about their reunion with Mourinho. He might just have one last moment in the Champions League spotlight.



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BYU women’s basketball star explains religious reason why team didn’t practice before tourney win

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BYU women’s basketball star explains religious reason why team didn’t practice before tourney win


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The BYU Cougars women’s basketball team was on the outside looking into the NCAA Tournament this season despite going 26-12 under head coach Lee Cummard.

The Cougars played well enough to earn an invitation to the Women’s Basketball Invitational Tournament, where the team was able to knock out the Kansas Jayhawks last week before losing to the Columbia Lions on Wednesday.

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BYU Cougars guard Delaney Gibb brings the ball upcourt against the TCU Horned Frogs during the second half at T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Mo., on March 6, 2026. (Nick Tre Smith/Imagn Images)

BYU drew attention for an interesting and faith-based, decision ahead of their 70-67 win over Kansas. The team didn’t practice because it was a Sunday.

Delaney Gibb, who led the team in scoring, explained it was for religious reasons that the team doesn’t practice on Sundays.

“When you look at it from a perspective of our team and our culture we’ve built and the faith that we have it’s a day that we get to have a different perspective on life,” Gibb said, via the school’s website. “There’s things that are bigger than basketball and Jesus Christ and having faith in Him is something that’s bigger than basketball.”

BYU's Delaney Gibb speaking to media at T-Mobile Center in Kansas City

BYU’s Delaney Gibb speaks to media during Big 12 Women’s Basketball Media Day at T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Mo., on Oct. 21, 2025. (Sophia Scheller/Imagn Images)

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Gibb scored 12 points in the three-point victory. Sydney Benally added 15.

The sophomore’s remarks went viral during the week.

Unfortunately, for the Cougars, BYU lost to the Lions in their next game.

Gibb is likely to return for her junior season. She was named to the All-Big 12 Conference First Team after being named the 2025 Big 12 Conference Freshman of the Year.

BYU guard Delaney Gibb driving basketball against TCU Horned Frogs at T-Mobile Center

BYU guard Delaney Gibb drives the ball against the TCU Horned Frogs during the second half at T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Mo., on March 6, 2026. (Nick Tre Smith/Imagn Images)

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During the 2025-26 season, Gibb averaged a team-leading 18.3 points per game. She also averaged 5.1 rebounds.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.





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Transfer rumors, news: Premier League clubs on Vinicius Jr. alert, PSG, Bayern keen

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Transfer rumors, news: Premier League clubs on Vinicius Jr. alert, PSG, Bayern keen


Some of Europe’s top clubs have been sounded out about a deal for Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. this summer, while Madrid are increasingly confident of sealing a move for Manchester City midfielder Rodri. Join us for the latest transfer news and rumors from around the globe.

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TRENDING RUMORS

Arsenal, Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich have been contacted by intermediaries regarding a possible move for Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. this summer, according to TEAMtalk. Some of Europe’s top clubs have been sounded out about a deal as the winger enters the final year of his contract, while the Saudi Pro League is also ready to move if any opportunity arises. Contract talks with the 25-year Brazil international have stalled for the past few months and sources recently told ESPN that negotiations may not resume until after the 2026 World Cup, though the player has reiterated that he wants to stay.

– Real Madrid are increasingly confident of sealing a move for Manchester City midfielder Rodri this summer, claims TEAMtalk. Rodri, 29, has reportedly held discussions with City about the possible terms for an exit this summer and, while he continues to be linked with a move to the Bernabeu, Real Madrid won’t “pay over the odds” to bring the Spain international to the club. An offer of €60 million will reportedly be enough to do a deal.

AS reports that Real Madrid are open to a potential exit for Eduardo Camavinga, with PSG monitoring the midfielder’s situation. The 23-year-old has been with Los Blancos since 2021, but has struggled to make himself a regular starter since joining from Rennes. A switch back to Ligue 1 could reignite his career once again, though Madrid would want to make a profit on the €40 million they paid to sign him five years ago.

– Arsenal are soon expected to make a formal approach to sign Bayer Leverkusen striker Christian Kofane, according to Christian Falk. The Gunners have been linked with a €65 million move for the 19-year-old, with an offer expected in the coming weeks. The Cameroon international has made 40 appearances across all competitions this season, with seven goals and eight assists to his name, with Bayern Munich also reported be monitoring his progress.

RB Leipzig are discussing a new contract with €80 million-rated winger Yan Diomande that could include a release clause, amid links with a move to the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United, says Fabrizio Romano. Diomande, 19, has shot to prominence this season with some fine displays, but Leipzig are keen to let him develop even further.

EXPERT TAKE

ESPN’s Madrid correspondent Alex Kirkland explores the future for Vinicius Junior.

Vinicius Junior’s situation at Real Madrid has, in many ways, changed radically over the course of the season — but the bottom line is that his contract is still due to expire in 2027 and there’s been no progress on an extension.

The first half of 2025-26 was perhaps the most turbulent time of Vini’s career at Madrid, losing his place as a guaranteed starter under then coach Xabi Alonso, going three months without scoring, and becoming the public face of dressing room unrest with his reaction at being substituted early in October’s Clásico.

Since January, and the arrival of Álvaro Arbeloa, it’s been a very different story. Arbeloa has talked up Vinicius at every opportunity and he’s been rewarded on the pitch, with the forward nearing career-best form with back-to-back, decisive braces last month against Manchester City and Atletico Madrid.

But still, the clock is ticking on that contract extension. ESPN reported that a renewal was near impossible with Alonso in charge, but that is no longer an issue. Vinicius loves playing for Madrid and the club would like him to stay; the remaining issue is the gap between Vinicius’ wage demands and what the club are willing to offer.

Madrid would do anything to avoid losing him on a free transfer in 2027, so the situation has to be resolved, one way or the other, this summer. ESPN has reported that a move to Saudi Arabia would not appeal to Vinicius, leaving PSG or the Premier League as the only realistic remaining options.

But at this stage, given his improved form, and Madrid’s desire to keep him and avoid the nightmare scenario of a free transfer, the most likely scenario feels like the club going the extra mile to offer a deal structured with enough variables and bonuses to reach the kind of total package Vinicius and his camp would be happy with.

OTHER RUMORS

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Hutchison doubtful about Arne Slot’s Liverpool future

Don Hutchison believes Arne Slot won’t be Liverpool manager at the start of next season following their FA Cup exit to Manchester City.

– Liverpool could sign Al Hilal forward Marcus Leonardo, 22, to replace Mohamed Salah this summer. (GMS)

– Manchester United are among the clubs keen to sign Aston Villa midfielder Amadou Onana, 24. (Football Insider)

– Spain forward Dani Olmo is not planning on leaving Barcelona this summer, amid links with a move to the Saudi Pro League. (Fabrizio Romano)

– AC Milan are pushing to sign midfielder Leon Goretzka as a free agent when he leaves Bayern Munich in the summer, ahead of Premier League competition. (Calciomercato)

– Italy midfielder Manuel Locatelli is closing in on a contract renewal with Juventus until 2030. (Tuttosport)

– Liverpool are keen on Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba and Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon as part of a summer rebuild. (Ekrem Konur)

– Manchester City, Barcelona and Bayern Munich are all showing interest in Chelsea defender Josh Acheampong, amid his lack of game time for the Blues. (Ekrem Konur)

Harry Wilson is on Tottenham’s shortlist of transfer options this summer, as he looks set to become a free agent at the end of his contract at Fulham. (Ekrem Konur)

Antonio Rudiger is progressing in talks to extend his contract at Real Madrid, as he nears the final 12 months of his deal with Los Blancos. (Nicolo Schira)

– Barcelona and PSG are both interested in 16-year-old Mali wonderkid Aboubacar Maiga, who plays for Academy Africa Foot, as an option for the future. (Sport)



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David Beckham on Inter Miami new stadium: ‘Dreams really can come true’

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David Beckham on Inter Miami new stadium: ‘Dreams really can come true’


Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham spoke of a dream come true as his team played its first ever game at Nu Stadium on Saturday — a 2-2 draw with Austin FC.

The Englishman, who helped to found the club in 2018 after six years with LA Galaxy and another six getting Miami up and running, has overseen the side’s meteoric rise to MLS champions and the home of Lionel Messi.

“When I came to America and the MLS 20 years ago, my dream was to win championships, help raise the game of soccer that I love so much and to build my own team,” Beckham said ahead of the draw against Austin.

“Thirteen years ago, I announced Miami was my choice. We had no name. We had no fans. We had no stadium. Today, I stand in our new home.

“We are champions of the MLS. We have the best player in the history of the game playing in Miami. Dreams really can come true.”

With the club having made its MLS debut in 2020, Miami has become home to some of LaLiga’s biggest stars of the last 15 years — Gonzalo Higuaín, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, Luis Suárez and Messi have all played for Beckham’s team, where Javier Mascherano has been the head coach since Nov. 2024.

Following Messi’s arrival in 2023, Miami won the Supporters’ Shield in 2024 and claimed their first MLS title in 2025, with the Argentine winning the league’s MVP award in both seasons.

Up until now, though, the team has had to play their home games in Fort Lauderdale, about 25 miles north of Miami.

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Messi and Beckham were far from the only celebrities involved with Saturday’s game. Actor Matthew McConaughey, who is part of Austin FC’s ownership group, even wrote an open letter to Beckham to congratulate him on his nearly two-decade relationship with the league.

“As Austin visits Miami today for a little shindig on your new pitch, I want to first shout out a sincere ‘thank you’ — you didn’t create soccer over here in the US, but you damn sure supercharged it,” the actor wrote.

“When you came to the Galaxy you gave MLS fresh legitimacy, you turned games into events, and essentially changed MLS from a proving ground to a premier destination. THANK YOU.”

Information from ESPN’s Lizzy Becherano and The Associated Press was used in this report.



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