Pep (L) has thanked Mourinho (R) for beating Real Madrid
Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola publicly thanked his old rival José Mourinho after City secured a place in the Champions League last 16, thanks to Benfica’s dramatic late victory over Real Madrid on Wednesday, January 28, 2026.
City had done their part at the Etihad Stadium, defeating Galatasaray 2-0 in their final league-phase match.
However, qualification also depended on results elsewhere, and late goals from Sporting Lisbon and Chelsea had left City nervously occupying eighth place in the group.
As the final whistle blew at the Etihad, only Real Madrid could still threaten City’s top-eight finish.
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That’s when Benfica goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin produced a stunning stoppage-time header, scoring the club’s fourth goal to eliminate Madrid and secure City’s advancement.
Guardiola revealed the team watched the closing moments nervously in the dressing room.
“We were all there. We didn’t know that Benfica needed a goal to qualify. With the goalkeeper we said, ‘Why go? Stay in the goal because Madrid can equalise!’ After that, we are out. But it was a good strategy for José, right? To score the fourth goal,” he said.
Asked if he would send Mourinho a message of gratitude, Guardiola replied simply: “Of course.”
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