2-2! Mourinho Blasts Referee: “We Won 3-2!”

On December 28, 2025, in the 16th round of the Portuguese Primeira Liga, Benfica drew 2-2 away at Braga. Despite extending their unbeaten streak (10 wins, 6 draws), two crucial goals were disallowed by VAR, and multiple controversial decisions reignited Mourinho’s fiery temper. After the match, he boldly declared: “Today, we won 3-2 against Braga!”

Braga started aggressively, firing five shots in the opening 20 minutes, while Benfica had yet to threaten. In the 30th minute, a corner found veteran Otamendi, who headed home to give the visitors a 1-0 lead. Late in the first half, Braga equalized through a chaotic play, but VAR decisions sparked debate again. In stoppage time, Braga briefly led 2-1 before Benfica quickly restored parity at 2-2. Benfica even appeared to score a third goal, only to have it controversially ruled out by the referee.

Mourinho unleashed his emotions post-match: “Today we won 3-2! I watched that canceled goal on the bench—it was perfectly clean. No matter what others say, I know we won!”
He emphasized that even with a draw, the team’s effort and spirit deserve pride: “Our journey is long, and I want to leave here with joy and conviction.”
Benfica has frequently criticized Portuguese referees recently, while Braga also protested several decisions. Despite remaining unbeaten, Benfica’s repeated dropped points have left them seven points behind the league leaders, making the title race increasingly tense.