In remarks that have captured the attention of the global sports community, veteran Portuguese coach José Mourinho put an end to the growing speculation about a possible return to manage Real Madrid. This came during the press conference preceding his current team, Benfica, facing the Spanish giants in the first leg of their Champions League playoff tie.

A decisive stance on Perez's offer

The 63-year-old Mourinho confirmed his ability to reject any offer from his close friend and Real Madrid president, Florentino Pérez. Despite acknowledging a "great friendship" and strong connection with the Madrid club, he emphasized his complete commitment to his current project with Benfica. The coach, nicknamed "The Special One," explained that the clause in his contract allowing him to leave was included for exceptional circumstances related to the Portuguese club's presidential elections scheduled for November 2025, and not as a backdoor for a return to Madrid.

Historical context and relationship with the Bernabéu

These statements take on particular significance given Mourinho's long history with Real Madrid, where he managed the team between 2010 and 2013. During that period, Mourinho built a formidable squad that broke Barcelona's domestic dominance and won the Spanish league title with a record number of points and goals. This vivid memory among Real Madrid fans is what makes rumors of his return resurface whenever the team faces any challenge, especially given the mutual respect between him and the fans who still chant his name.

Student and teacher confrontation

These comments come at a sensitive time, as Benfica prepares to host Real Madrid on Tuesday, ahead of the return leg at the Santiago Bernabéu. The match carries added significance, as Mourinho faces his former player Álvaro Arbeloa, who, according to the report, now manages Real Madrid. Benfica previously defeated Arbeloa's team 4-2 in the group stage, adding a layer of revenge to this encounter.

Mutual respect and expectations for the future

In a gesture reflecting his sportsmanship, Mourinho wished Arbeloa well, describing him as a coach with "the Madrid spirit" and the potential to lead the team for many years to come. Despite his clear desire to see Real Madrid eliminated from the continental competition, Mourinho didn't fail to praise the strength of the Spanish club, the record holder with 15 titles, affirming that Real Madrid remains the favorite to win the Champions League, regardless of the circumstances.

The curtain has fallen on the competitions of the twenty-second round of the Yellow League for First Division Professional Clubs, in a round described as historic due to the great abundance of goals witnessed on the fields, as the nets were shaken by a barrage of goals totaling 37 goals, reflecting the fierce desire of the teams to secure points as the last third of the season approaches.

Abha is out of step with the flock

Abha FC continued their impressive run, maintaining their absolute dominance at the top of the league table and reaffirming their determination to quickly return to the spotlight. Their valuable 2-1 victory over Al-Wahda demonstrated the team's leadership qualities, raising their points tally to 57 and widening the gap with their closest rivals. Abha's success wasn't limited to points; they also boasted impressive defensive and offensive performances. Their defense is the strongest in the league, having conceded only 17 goals, while they share the title of most potent attack with Al-Diriyah, both having scored 48 goals. This attack is bolstered by the brilliance of their star striker, "Sila Sow," who leads the scoring charts with 21 goals.

The battle for second place heats up between Al-Ula and Al-Diriyah

In one of the most exciting matches of the round, Al-Ula FC managed to turn the tables, securing second place after defeating their direct rivals, Al-Diriyah FC, 3-1. This strategic victory raised Al-Ula's points tally to 46, equaling Al-Diriyah's total, but Al-Ula holds the advantage due to goal difference and head-to-head record in this round. Despite the painful loss, Al-Diriyah still boasts a formidable attacking arsenal, earning them the title of "strongest attack," which foreshadows a fierce battle in the upcoming rounds for promotion spots.

The context of the competition and the importance of the round

This round is of paramount importance in the league, representing a crucial stage for teams vying for promotion to the Saudi Professional League (Roshan). With 22 rounds completed, complex calculations begin, and every point becomes invaluable. The fierce competition between clubs like Al-Orouba, who maintained their fourth position with 44 points after a 2-2 draw with Al-Adalah, and Al-Jabalain, who jumped to fifth place with 42 points following their resounding 4-2 victory over Al-Jandal, demonstrates that the gaps are narrowing and that changes at the top of the table remain possible.

Record numbers and professional brilliance

This round was characterized by an overwhelmingly attacking style, with foreign and local players sharing the goal tally, though foreign professionals clearly outperformed local players, scoring 25 goals compared to 12. The round also saw two successful penalty kicks and one own goal, adding further excitement to the matches.

Yellow League top scorers after round 22:

• Sila Su (Abha): 21 goals (leader).
• Nwanko Simon (Robe): 18 goals.
• Gaetan Laborde (Diriyah): 17 goals.
• Coloris (Al-Ula): 16 goals.
• Jano Zinho (Al-Raed): 16 goals.

With the conclusion of this record-breaking round, Abha continues to soar alone at the top, while the three-way battle intensifies between Al-Ula, Al-Diriyah and Al-Oruba, amidst an unprecedented goal-scoring surge that promises more excitement in the upcoming rounds.

In statements reflecting his leadership and unwavering desire for collective success, English star Ivan Tony, striker for Al-Ahli Saudi FC, made some fiery remarks ahead of the highly anticipated match against Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai of the UAE. Al-Ahli is preparing for this crucial game in the eighth round of the group stage (round of 16) of the AFC Champions League, a match eagerly awaited by Asian football fans.

Tony emphasized to the media that individual statistics mean nothing to him compared to the team's greater good, stating clearly: "The top scorer title? I'm ready to sacrifice all my goals and go back to zero, in order to win championships with Al Ahly at the end of the season." This statement confirms the player's complete commitment to the club's project and his desire to dedicate the long-awaited titles to Al Ahly's loyal fans, prioritizing collective glory and standing on the podium over any personal accolades he might achieve through scoring goals.

Ivan Toni is enjoying a period of exceptional form this season, currently leading the Saudi Professional League's top scorers. Official statistics indicate that the prolific striker has scored 20 goals and provided 5 assists, bringing his total goal contributions to 25. This makes him a key player in Al-Ahli's attack and one of the region's most prominent foreign players.

The upcoming match is of paramount importance to Al-Ahli, as the team seeks to reaffirm its dominance in the continent's premier club competition, the AFC Champions League. This encounter comes amidst Saudi clubs' efforts to assert their supremacy in Asia, capitalizing on the significant sporting boom and international signings that have elevated the level of competition. The match, to be held at Al-Inma Stadium, will be more than just a routine game; it is a pivotal juncture that will determine the team's path in the upcoming knockout stages.

Tony's statements come at a crucial time, sending reassuring messages to Al Ahly fans that the team's stars prioritize the club's honor above all else. The fans who will flock to support the team understand that the English striker isn't seeking personal glory, but rather dedicating his abilities to serving the team, which strengthens Al Ahly's chances of competing strongly on all fronts, both domestically and continentally, this season.