Real Madrid finished as runners-up in Spain last season, lost the Super Cup, and were eliminated in the round of 16 of the Copa del Rey and the quarter-finals of the Champions League. The team's campaign began with Xabi Alonso as head coach, but ended with Alvaro Arbeloa as interim manager.

Rui Costa, the president of Benfica, has promised to address the club members this week to explain the situation surrounding Mourinho's potential departure. If confirmed, this would mark the end of Mourinho's second spell at Benfica.