Portuguese press reports have revealed details of the hour that Portuguese coach Jose Mourinho spent in the hospital before the anticipated clash between Benfica and Real Madrid in the Champions League round of 16 play-off.
According to the Portuguese newspaper A Bola, Mourinho was forced on Friday morning to go urgently to a hospital in the city of Ponta Delgada, after suffering from a severe ear infection that caused him intense pain.
The reports indicated that his condition required urgent medical examinations and appropriate treatment, in order to avoid any complications that might affect his attendance at the upcoming match at the “Al-Nour” stadium in Lisbon.
Mourinho's visit to the hospital did not exceed 60 minutes, during which he received the necessary treatment and was prescribed the appropriate medications, before returning to the team's residence without any significant problems.
In fact, the Portuguese coach later led his team to a 2-1 victory over Santa Clara in the Portuguese league, a clear indication of his rapid recovery and readiness for the European encounter.
The match holds special significance for Mourinho, who is preparing to face his former club Real Madrid in another continental clash. Benfica defeated the Spanish giants 4-2 in the league, giving the Portuguese coach an extra morale boost ahead of the second leg.
Real Madrid finished the league stage in ninth place with 15 points, while Benfica came in twenty-fourth place with 9 points, making the confrontation crucial and open to all possibilities.
