Jose Mourinho’s return to Stamford Bridge ended in disappointment on Tuesday night as his Benfica side fell 1-0 to Chelsea in the Champions League, courtesy of a Richard Rios own goal.
The Benfica boss, who remains one of Chelsea’s most iconic managers, had hoped to secure a memorable victory at the ground where he won three Premier League titles and seven major trophies across two spells. Instead, his side’s promising start was undone when Rios accidentally diverted Alejandro Garnacho’s cross into his own net in the 18th minute.
Mourinho, who was warmly received by the Chelsea faithful with chants and applause throughout the night, watched his players create chances early on. Robert Sanchez denied Vangelis Pavlidis and Dodi Lukebakio, while Heorhiy Sudakov squandered a good opportunity to break the deadlock. But once Chelsea were ahead, Benfica struggled to find a response despite controlling much of the play.
Mourinho, making his first Stamford Bridge return since being sacked by Fenerbahce in August and rejoining Benfica this month, has now failed to win in seven visits to the ground with Manchester United, Tottenham, and Benfica since leaving Chelsea in 2015. His only away success at Stamford Bridge remains Inter Milan’s victory in 2010 en route to Champions League glory.
The 62-year-old’s frustrations were compounded when Joao Pedro was sent off for Chelsea late in the match, but even the man advantage in stoppage time couldn’t rescue Benfica. Mourinho had earlier played peacemaker, calming Benfica fans after objects were thrown at former player Enzo Fernandez.
For Chelsea, the victory was a much-needed boost for Enzo Maresca, who had come under scrutiny after three defeats in four games. The win was their fourth in nine matches this season, and a timely response following Mourinho’s dismissive comments about the club’s recent Conference League and Club World Cup triumphs.
What you should know
Jose Mourinho, once Chelsea’s most celebrated manager, suffered defeat on his latest Stamford Bridge return, with Benfica undone by an own goal.
Despite a warm reception from fans, the result extended his winless run at the ground since 2015, while Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca eased pressure with an important Champions League victory.
