UCL: Why Mourinho can’t surprise me – Real Madrid manager Álvaro Arbeloa
Sport UCL: Why Mourinho can’t surprise me – Real Madrid manager Álvaro Arbeloa Published on February 16, 2026 By Don Silas googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1500386953281-8'); }); Real Madrid manager, Álvaro Arbeloa has revealed why Benfica head coach Jose Mourinho cannot surprise him. Arbeloa stated this ahead of both teams’ UEFA Champions League Round of 16 playoff first leg tie at Estádio da Luz on Tuesday night. In his pre-match press conference on Monday, Arbeloa suggested that Mourinho’s tactics hold no surprises for him. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1524595905268-5'); }); “I don’t think José [Mourinho] can surprise me because I know perfectly what he is capable of,” Arbeloa said. “It doesn’t matter if Benfica showed up with the Youth League team; I knew the intensity Real Madrid would bring to the pitch. “Obviously, tomorrow will be more of the same. I know they can even play better, and we’ve to be prepared for that,” he said. Don't Miss EPL: Klopp ‘snubbed’ offers from Chelsea, Man Utd after leaving Liverpool You may like UCL: Real Madrid’s squad to face Benfica revealed UCL: Juventus coach Spalletti reveals plan to stop Osimhen UCL: I can say no – Mourinho speaks on returning to Real Madrid as manager UCL: They’re wounded – Mourinho reveals how Benfica will approach Real Madrid UCL: They’re the kings’ – Mourinho names favourites to win trophy this season UCL: Osimhen targets Galatasaray goal record