Portuguese coach José Mourinho will not speak before the match between Real Madrid and Benfica, scheduled for Wednesday evening in the second leg of the playoff qualifying for the UEFA Champions League round of 16, at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.

José Mourinho was sent off during the first leg last week, which means he will be absent from the bench in the return leg, dealing a tactical blow to the Portuguese team ahead of a crucial match.

Despite the suspension decision, the Portuguese coach was allowed to attend the pre-match press conference at the Bernabeu. However, he will not be speaking to the media, as his assistant will appear to answer journalists' questions on his behalf.

This development adds more tension to the atmosphere of the meeting, especially after the crisis involving Vinicius Junior and Benfica player Prestianni related to racism, which has cast a shadow over this match since last week.