Real Madrid and Jose Mourinho was one of the great footballing partnerships of the 21st century, as the two united in an attempt to bring down their common foe, Barcelona. The Portuguese manager may be game-planning to bring down Los Blancos sooner rather than later.

The 62-year-old is on the hunt for a new job this season, having been sacked by Fenerbahce just a month in – and with a lucrative pay-off. However his services are already being called on. After losing to Qarabag 3-2 in their Champions League opener, Benfica have sacked manager Bruno Lage.

Mourinho reaches agreement with Benfica to take over

There is no shortage of circularity in the move, which would see Mourinho take over at the Estadio da Luz. It was defeat to the Eagles that cost Mourinho his job in Istanbul, and now he could be their next manager, with Ben Jacobs saying an agreement has been reached on a deal.

Mourinho’s first job was at Benfica, after leaving Barcelona, where he was a translator and then assistant manager for four years. In that first stint, a young Mourinho lasted just 10 games, losing twice, drawing thrice, and winning five games. However it was with rivals Porto that he became a hero, winning the UEFA Cup, Champions League and two Portuguese titles in a two-year stint.

🚨 Jose Mourinho has agreed to become Benfica's new manager almost 25 years to the day after starting his managerial career with the club.

Bruno Lage was sacked after Benfica’s shock 3-2 Champions League defeat at home to Qarabag.

Mourinho will also return to Stamford Bridge on…

— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) September 17, 2025

Real Madrid showdown on the horizon

If a deal is completed, then Real Madrid will be traveling to Lisbon to face Mourinho’s Benfica. That clash is scheduled for the 28th of January, the final clash for Los Blancos in the league phase of the Champions League. Mourinho recently admitted that he regretted turning down the chance to return to the Bernabeu. Before that, Mourinho will also travel back to another of the clubs where he is most beloved, with a trip to Stamford Bridge on the horizon for the end of September.