Jose Mourinho launched an unusually sarcastic tirade after Benfica’s 2:2 draw away to Braga in the Portuguese league, insisting that his team had actually secured a “magnificent 3:2 victory” despite the official result, Idman.Biz reports.
Following the match, Mourinho expressed his anger over a series of controversial refereeing decisions. Braga equalized through a penalty awarded for handball, while a potential late winner for Benfica was disallowed due to what appeared to be a very soft foul in the build-up. The decision was upheld by VAR, further fueling the coach’s frustration.
Speaking to journalists, Mourinho chose irony as his weapon. “No jokes, I congratulate SC Braga on many achievements. I congratulate the president, because I was here many years ago and seeing this training center is fantastic. I congratulate the team, the coach who is building a great side, and even the fans for the wonderful atmosphere,” he said. “As for the match, I think this was a big win for us. A great first half, where we conceded two goals from our own mistakes. In the second half we were very strong, dominated the game completely, scored two goals, and winning in Braga is very difficult. After being behind, it was even harder.”
When a reporter reminded him that the match ended in a draw, Mourinho replied sharply: “We won 3:2! That’s football as we know it. I’m saying this ironically, otherwise I would be severely punished.”
The Benfica coach also criticized the role of VAR, stressing that it was the video assistant referee who made the decisive mistake. “We scored three clear goals. Overall, I liked the referee’s performance, but matches and points are decided by these moments, and that’s exactly what happened,” Mourinho said. “There are clubs that win many games thanks to mistakes, and others that lose many points because of them.”
Despite Braga finishing the match with a red card, Mourinho said the decision did little to ease his frustration, concluding that while the season is long, he wanted to leave Braga convinced that his team had turned the game around — even if, as he admitted, “people think I’m crazy.”
