Benfica head coach Jose Mourinho took an unexpected step after a sensational Champions League victory. Following the 4-2 victory against Real Madrid, the Portuguese manager reportedly apologized to Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa.
Mourinho said it wasn't about the result, but about how he celebrated the victory:
"I apologized for celebrating the victory this way. Arbeloa is a man of football and understands that giving in to emotions in such situations is normal," Record quoted the coach as saying.
The peculiarity is that this debate itself was not without drama. Benfica defeated Real Madrid 4-2, and in extra time, Ukrainian goalkeeper Anatoly Trubin scored the fourth goal, creating the most memorable episode of the evening for the Lisbon club. This goal guaranteed Benfica a place in the qualifying rounds of the tournament.
In short, the competition on the field is fierce, the emotions are high - but respect should always come first in football. Mourinho's apology to Arbeloa was also a vivid manifestation of this "football culture."
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