Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has been given support from former adversary Rafael Benitez after the Spanish club's 5-0 defeat at Barcelona on Monday.

Inter coach Benitez clashed with the Portuguese on more than one occasion when he was at the helm of Liverpool and Mourinho was leading Chelsea.

When asked about Mourinho, Benitez said to Corriere dello Sport: "He is a very good professional and a good coach.

"When you reach this level it means that you have had a good career.

"I would shake his hand if we were to face each other because I'm a respectful person."

Benitez succeeded Mourinho at Inter Milan this summer.

Mourinho left Inter for Madrid after leading the Nerazzurri to a Champions League, Coppa Italia and Serie A treble.

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