The Portuguese newspaper A Bola reported that Benfica seems to be in top form in preparation for facing Real Madrid in the first leg of the playoff qualifying for the round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League.

The team, led by coach José Mourinho – known as 'The Special One' – has shown a solid performance in recent matches, boosting the players' morale ahead of the anticipated European encounter.

The newspaper noted that Benfica's recent 2-1 victory over Santa Clara in the Portuguese league reflected a clear improvement in the team's collective performance. Mourinho has succeeded in providing the team with better tactical discipline, with the ability to apply early pressure on the opponent from the start of play.

The report mentioned that the team has become what it described as 'The Special One version,' with improved offensive and defensive effectiveness compared to last season, and Mourinho's options in the lineup have become more diverse, enhancing Benfica's capabilities in European competition.

The newspaper pointed out that Benfica has an additional morale boost after their thrilling 4-2 victory over Real Madrid in the Champions League group stage this season, giving them confidence before the return leg at Estádio da Luz.

However, the team remains required to stay focused, especially when facing Spanish clubs, which usually pose a challenge in European tournaments.

The report also touched on the positive role of the reinforcements Benfica made in the transfer market, such as Rafa and Sidney Cabral, which have contributed to raising the level of the squad and adding strong alternatives in the front and defensive lines, enhancing the team's chances against Real Madrid.

The report concluded by emphasizing the importance of maintaining the stability of the lineup and the continued high team spirit, confirming that the first leg will largely determine Benfica's chances of qualifying for the round of 16, noting that Mourinho has the ability to exploit the best version of his team to achieve a positive result against Real Madrid.