It was supposed to be a night of nostalgia at Stamford Bridge, a return home for José Mourinho with the team where he started his career as a manager. The Portuguese coach famously said on his return that no club has made him excited about joining more than Benfica. But instead of joy, it turned into yet another frustrating evening for the Portuguese tactician, as Chelsea edged Benfica 1-0 in their UEFA Champions League clash.
The result means Mourinho is still searching for his first win against Chelsea as a manager since 2010, stretching his winless run to eight matches (D3, L5) against the club he once led to Premier League glory. Ironically, it was his former team that spoiled his homecoming, with Enzo Maresca’s Blues showing grit and composure to secure their first European victory of the season.
Softfootball expected a close encounter in the match preview, predicting a 1-all draw, but Chelsea got the job done early, courtesy of a scrappy first-half goal. After Benfica’s lively start which saw Dodi Lukébakio sting Robert Sánchez’s gloves before the ball clipped the post, Chelsea began finding rhythm. Pedro Neto, always buzzing, drilled one just wide before delivering a teasing cross that caused chaos. Under pressure, Richard Ríos accidentally turned Alejandro Garnacho’s effort into his own net.
The Blues almost made it two before halftime when Tyrique George, starting up top, nearly converted a fine Marc Cucurella delivery only to be denied by Anatoliy Trubin. Speaking on Marc Cucurella, he was simply just brilliant in this encounter and befittingly won the Man of the Match award. Chelsea posted a picture of the defender celebrating with his award on their official X account.
The post:
Benfica tried again after the restart, and though Fredrik Aursnes found decent positions, he was caught offside twice. Mourinho rolled the dice with a triple substitution, but Chelsea stayed compact, frustrating the visitors and nearly adding a late second when Estêvão forced a fine stop from Trubin.
There was late drama as João Pedro picked up a second yellow card deep in stoppage time Chelsea’s third red in three games yet Maresca’s side held firm.
For Mourinho, this one stings. His last win at Stamford Bridge remains that famous 2010 Inter Milan triumph, and now, even back home, the Bridge still offers no comfort.
