At 62, Mourinho Bows His Head: Missed Penalty, 16 Shots, and a 0–2 Defeat That All but Ends Benfica’s UCL Hopes

In the early hours of January 22, the UEFA Champions League league phase Round 7 delivered a decisive showdown. Benfica fell 0–2 away to Juventus, suffering their fifth defeat of the campaign and leaving José Mourinho’s side on the brink of elimination.

The first half saw a relatively balanced contest, with Benfica holding their own and trading chances with Juventus. However, the match unraveled rapidly after the break.

In the 56th minute, Khéphren Thuram cut inside and fired a low shot into the net to open the scoring. Benfica’s defense soon collapsed. Just nine minutes later, Jonathan David provided the assist as Weston McKennie surged forward to finish, doubling Juventus’ advantage.

Benfica responded with urgency but lacked composure. In the 69th minute, Orkun Kökçü’s header struck the post, coming agonizingly close to pulling one back. The decisive moment arrived in the 81st minute when Bremer conceded a penalty, offering Benfica a lifeline.

Yet striker Pavlidis squandered the opportunity, blasting the spot kick wide. Cameras caught a rare image of a subdued 62-year-old Mourinho lowering his head in frustration—an unmistakable symbol of resignation.

Despite registering 16 shots, Benfica failed to score, undone by poor finishing and costly mistakes. The 0–2 loss leaves them on just six points after seven matches.

After the game, Mourinho—usually defiant—admitted reality had caught up.
“Our next match is against Real Madrid, with the same players and no one returning,” he said. “I don’t know if nine points will be enough for the playoffs, but honestly, it looks very difficult.”

Benfica now trail 24th-placed Olympiacos by two points. With Real Madrid needing a win in the final round to secure direct qualification, even a victory over Mourinho’s former club may not be enough. Benfica’s Champions League campaign appears all but over.