Luciano Spalletti expects Jose Mourinho to spring tactical surprises when Juventus face Benfica in a crucial Champions League group match on Wednesday, with both clubs chasing qualification places and
the Turin side only three points ahead of the resurgent Portuguese team in a tight standings battle.
Juventus sit 17th in the league-stage table on nine points with two matchdays left, while Benfica are 27th and currently outside the play-off positions, yet recent momentum favours the Lisbon club after a sharp turn in European form.
Benfica lost six straight Champions League fixtures earlier in the campaign, but have responded with two wins in a row to close the gap. Juventus also started poorly in Europe, failing to win any of the first four games, with three draws and one defeat recorded.
Spalletti and Mourinho know each other well from previous clashes and shared history at Inter and Roma. They have met eight times as opposing coaches, with Mourinho earning three wins, Spalletti taking two victories and three meetings finishing level, adding further narrative to Wednesday’s contest.
Recent results suggest both teams are finding rhythm in Europe. Juventus have won their last two Champions League fixtures, and the club have not produced a longer winning sequence in the competition since a five-match run stretching from March to November 2021.
Benfica could reach a historic defensive landmark if Juventus fail to score. Should Mourinho’s side win without conceding, it would be the first time since the 1989-99 European Cup campaign that Benfica claim three straight victories in Europe’s main competition while keeping clean sheets, matching a previous sequence of five.
| Team | Position | Points | Recent Champions League run |
|---|---|---|---|
| Juventus | 17th | 9 | Win, Win (after D, D, D, L) |
| Benfica | 27th | 6 | Win, Win (after six defeats) |
Juventus vs Benfica Mourinho Spalletti Champions League rivalry
Spalletti described an amicable relationship with Mourinho while stressing the competitive edge around their reunion in Turin. Asked about facing Mourinho again, Spalletti said: "When we first spoke, he’d say more than me – he always wins in that respect! We respect each other, we appreciate one another and have spoken on the phone. It will be a pleasure to face him. The volume is always turned up a notch when Mourinho is involved, and for me, it will be a source of pride to be in the opposite dugout. "
Spalletti also outlined what Juventus must expect from Benfica under Mourinho’s direction, highlighting intensity and courage on the ball. Spalletti said: "You always expect something different with Mourinho. It’s a direct clash and I expect Benfica to be aggressive. They will come to play. I’m convinced it will be a good game. "
Juventus vs Benfica Mourinho Spalletti Champions League domestic context
Since taking charge at the Allianz Stadium on 30 October, Spalletti has had a clear impact in Serie A. During that spell, Juventus have collected 24 league points, a total bettered only by Inter with 31 points and AC Milan with 28 points over the same period.
Despite that strong domestic record, Spalletti is refusing to rush into a long-term commitment with Juventus. The current agreement runs until the end of the season, and Spalletti insisted decisions about the future will wait, saying: "I’m not ready for anything and Juventus are not ready for anything either. We will resolve this in the last week of our partnership. I’ve done nothing to deserve what you want me to say. In football, minds can be changed quickly. Juve have always had very strong coaches and they will find just as many in the future. If I want to continue coaching, I hope to be one of them. Evaluations are pushed to one side for now. We will come here and announce it together, in the final week. "
The Juventus vs Benfica match now brings together two experienced managers with intertwined histories, teams chasing form in Europe and tight margins in the standings, with Spalletti’s short-term future, Mourinho’s tactical reputation and Benfica’s defensive streak all adding interest for supporters across Europe and in Middle Eastern football markets.
