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.

Italian coach Simone Inzaghi, manager of Al-Hilal, has finalized his starting lineup for the crucial match against Al-Wahda of the UAE. This highly anticipated game is part of the eighth round of the AFC Champions League group stage and will be held at the Kingdom Arena, Al-Hilal's home ground.

Al-Hilal's official lineup for the match against Al-Wahda

The squad selected by coach Inzaghi saw notable changes and rotations in several positions, and the official lineup for the Blue Wave was as follows:

• Goalkeeper: Mohammed Al-Rubaie.
• Defense line: Ali Lajami, Pablo Mari, Youssef Akchichik, Abdelkarim Drassi.
• Midfield: Ruben Neves, Murad Hawsawi, Mutaib Al-Harbi, Simon Boabrie.
• Attack line: Darwin Nunez, Mohamed Kader Meiti.

Rotation policy and excluding senior figures

In a calculated tactical move, Simone Inzaghi decided to leave out veteran Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, as well as Senegalese defensive stalwart Kalidou Koulibaly, from the starting lineup for this match. This decision comes as part of the coaching staff's rotation policy, aimed at resting key players who have endured a marathon of consecutive matches, and giving substitutes and younger players the opportunity to prove their worth and participate in the continental competition, especially since the team boasts a strong bench capable of making a difference.

Qualification secured and peace of mind

Al-Hilal enters this match with calm nerves and high morale, having officially secured qualification for the next round of the AFC Champions League. This early qualification has given coach Inzaghi complete freedom to make these bold changes without fear of points calculations or qualification being affected, making the match an ideal opportunity to test new tactical plans and prepare all team members for the decisive knockout stages, which will require everyone to be ready.

The importance of the match despite qualification being secured

Despite already securing qualification, the match holds special significance for Al-Hilal and its fans. A victory at the Kingdom Arena is always essential to maintaining the team's continental prestige and boosting the club's Asian ranking. Furthermore, the participation of world-class stars like Darwin Núñez and Rúben Neves guarantees the fans a thrilling spectacle, underscoring Al-Hilal's desire to continue its winning streak and send a strong message to its rivals that the team is ready to compete for the continental title with its full complement of available players.

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.