Real Madrid manager, Xabi Alonso, has admitted it will be “special” for Jose Mourinho when Benfica face Madrid in the upcoming UEFA Champions League group stage.

Mourinho, who was recently appointed Benfica manager after parting ways with Fenerbahce, will go head-to-head with his former club Real Madrid on January 28, 2026.

Speaking at his press conference ahead of Madrid’s LaLiga clash with Espanyol, Alonso reflected on Mourinho’s bond with the Spanish giants.

“Playing against Mourinho? I had the chance to face him when he was at Roma and I was at Leverkusen. It will be special for him. It was three very intense years, very important. He has a huge affection for this club,” Alonso said (via Madrid Xtra).

Mourinho previously coached Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013, winning LaLiga, Copa del Rey, and Supercopa de España during his tenure.

The Portuguese tactician has already crossed paths with Alonso on the European stage, most notably in the Europa League, when his AS Roma side knocked out Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen.