JOSE MOURINHO HONOURED IN LISBON BY PORTUGUESE SPORTS JOURNALISTS.

Ahead of Real Madrid's second pre-season match against Benfica in Lisbon, the "Special One" received the "Prestigio Fernando Soromenho" award, which is the highest distinction awarded by the Association of Sports Journalists of Portugal (CNID). The event took place at 2:15 p.m. (1:15 p.m. local time) at the Pestana Palace Hotel in Lisbon.

The match with Benfica is the prestigious annual Eusebio cup, dedicated to the Portuguese legendary striker Eusebio of Mozambiquan origin who presents the cup to the winning team. Real Madrid is the first Spanish team to be invited for this competition.



Jose Mourinho.



An elated Eusebio who won 11 Portuguese league titles, the Ballon d'Or and two Golden Boot awards. Nicknamed the Black Pear during his playing days at Benfica and considered by FIFA to be one of the best European players of the 20th Century was earlier asked in an interview was asked, "How he will feel when Real Madrid and Benfica face each other on 27 July in the trophy that carries his name?"

His response was, "I am deeply satisfied that Real Madrid, the best club in Spain, will travel to Lisbon to play for a trophy named after me. I am honoured and I’m happy for Benfica supporters because they’ll get a chance to see the best team in the world in action at their stadium. I think it will be packed. It will be a great party for Benfica, Lisbon and, especially, for me. I wish to thank Benfica for the job they’ve done coming up with such a great match."

As at the time of compiling this report, the two teams were playing a two all draw.